Reduce With Roots

January 27, 2022

On November 6, 2021, Medicine Hat welcomed its first refillery service, Roots Refillery. Local entrepreneurs, Crystal and Colin Metz, say they have always hoped this type of business would come to the community and when it never did, they took the reins and opened one themselves.

“The local community support has been incredible,” says Crystal, co-owner, Roots Refillery. “All our products are synthetic chemical free, environmentally friendly, and sourced from local Canadian businesses. We researched for months to ensure we were partnering with the best and are proud to feature products from Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta.”

The store sells a variety of products including body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, toothpaste, deodorant, re-usable razors, scented laundry detergents and cleaning supplies. Re-fillable makeup products, like foundation, eyeshadow, mascara and eyeliner are also offered in reusable containers.

Metz explains that they also carry liquid hygiene products for adults and children stored in giant containers for people to bring in their own containers. Roots Refillery has a selection of containers that shoppers can rent to use.

“Especially through the pandemic, I felt there was a shift in Medicine Hat towards reducing waste and a strong movement to support local,” says Crystal. “I opened this business to help residents reduce waste and fill an important gap in the market.”

When renovating their new home, Roots Refillery partnered with a number of local businesses including Billy Blocks, who handcrafted the front desk, Boylan Imaging who printed and hung decals throughout the business, Quick-Way Electrical and Security, Warren Appell Plumbing, and Tag Concepts who also played an important role in the building of the business and its brand. 

Roots Refillery is located at 40 Strachan Court S.E. Unit 2A and can be found online at https://rootsrefillery.ca/.