AN entrepreneur inspired to open a 'zero-waste' shop seeing the impact plastic is having on our planet has re-located to a larger premises in the centre of Hoylake.

Sharon Hall came up with the idea for Restore: Zero-waste shopping in Albert Road, Hoylake after watching BBC's Blue Planet II and Drowning in Plastic and felt compelled to try do something, if only in a small way, to help tackle the problem of wastage.

The doors opened in January. Just ten months after opening, the shop has moved to the Row in Hoylake with a new name, The Hoylake Pantry. To celebrate there is a re-launch party at the venue this Thursday (October 3) at 6pm.

Sharon said: "I am truly humbled by the way so many people, not only in Wirral, but beyond, have fully embraced this way of shopping.

"As word has spread, more and more people are visiting the shop to see what's on offer and to say hello.

"My parents say they remember shops only selling products loose – no packaging, let alone plastic.

"So, the phrase 'back to the future' truly applies here.

"We are proud to have made a good start on tackling plastic pollution, but much more needs to be done.

"I believe people are now truly worried about the future of the planet and want to make meaningful changes."

The evening will also be an opportunity for Sharon to introduce daughter Eleanor, who has now joined the business on a full-time basis.

Eleanor graduated from Central St Martin's in London last year with a First Class degree in Fine Art.

Sharon says it soon became obvious that she would need help as the shop became busier.

Keeping jars and tubs topped-up while also serving is a tricky juggling act. Eleanor's presence will allow Sharon to keep up with admin, but Eleanor will be free to develop the shop’s offer and also to innovate as she sees fit.

At the re-launch there will be a free glass of bubbly, or soft drink, on arrival, and art workshops.

Sharon said: "This evening will be a chance for me to say 'thank you' and show my appreciation to the many customers who have stepped up to help with the move and those who have also provided much-needed moral support.

"I am so lucky to have established a strong customer base, many of whom have now become friends.

"For anyone unfamiliar with the concept of zero-waste shopping, it is self-service and all product is weighed straight into customers’ own containers, or paper bags and donated glass jars available in store.

"Special scales allow the weight of the bag/container to be deducted so the customer only pays for the product.

"All liquids are sold by volume, so refilling empty containers is easy since the total is printed on the label."