Context
Carole, the founder of “Mes Courses en Vrac” (“My errands in bulk”) was looking for “convenient and available alternatives to avoid the use of disposable plastic” in her life. It led her to identify and develop a range of ethical, organic and local products, promoting artisans who are also committed in producing without using disposable packaging.In the North-East of Grenoble, next to the Chartreuse’s mountain, in the Grésivaudan’s valley, Carole opened a bulk and organic shop in June 2018: “Mes Courses en Vrac”. At first, all the products were sold online, and their website mescoursesenvrac.com (created in 2017). However, Carole, Manue and Esra decided to open a store in Crolles. They chose this place for its beautiful landscapes and the central location for customers to come.
Project
First, the trio decided to create a website, and not a long time after that, a store, directed more for a rural population, in Crolles’ city center. It aims to initiate and facilitate the access to bulk and zero-waste food products. It also provides to the local population access to local and organic products. The grocery offers the possibility to everyone to come and interact with the storekeepers or with the producers, to address social isolation issues in this remote area.
The products are very diverse at Mes Courses en Vrac! It can go from food products, fruits and vegetables, dry and fresh products, and even hygiene and cosmetics products.
Results
The philosophy of “Mes courses en Vrac” is: “We don’t need a few people to go with the zero-waste concept perfectly. We need millions of people who’re doing it in an imperfect manner”. This philosophy is actually becoming reality. Because of its success, the website was a bit put aside to dedicate all the human resources for the growing grocery store. From now, Carole will be focusing on the development of the product’s range, as well as the website, with the objective to reach even more people.
They also built a partnership with a Savoyard company for the shipment of the products for the online buyers. The company ship the products with “ugly packaging”, found in trash, to give it a second use.
The team is really attentive to the feedback and comments they receive from the clients, and try to adapt as much as possible.
The Little Extra
You just need to explore a bit the website to find a lot of recipes that are minimizing wastes and environmental impact. They also provide recipes to make natural home care products.
With a lovely and regularly updated Instagram account, Carole and her team can keep the clients informed of the new products, soon available. They also share recipes, or even ask clients about what they would like to have in the shop. It makes you want to buy everything!
For the returnable jars: it’s consigned at the shop, so the customers don’t have to carry the jar all day long. The grocery lends some and customers just have to bring it back to have their money back or use it again!
Written by Perrine Azière, LFC volunteer - March 2020
Last modification : 03 Apr 2020.
Mes Courses en Vrac
Northeast of Grenoble, at the foot of the Chartreuse massif, in the Grésivaudan valley, a bulk and organic grocery store opened its doors in June 2018: Mes Courses en Vrac.