Decorah’s first ‘refillery’ opens on Water Street

By Zach Jensen,

Desiree Baumler of Waukon (left) and Ossian resident Kylene Ellis recently opened their new business, KD Refillery, in downtown Decorah. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Best friends Kylene Ellis and Desiree Baumler have teamed up to help “save the turtles” by opening Decorah’s first refillery. Located at in the same building as Urban Nutrition, at 128 W. Water St. in Decorah, KD Refillery’s grand opening was held this past weekend, and the duo said they were very happy with the turnout.

“It’s been good,” Baumler said. “We’ve had a lot of family support, which has been nice.”

The pair explained a refillery is a zero-waste store which sells products in bulk — allowing customers to refill their own containers. Ellis and Baumler, who met 10 years ago while working for Luther College’s bakery, said they had talked about opening a business together for years. Last fall, when Ellis stumbled across the idea of a refillery.

“I saw a (social media) reel of a lady going into one, and I sent it to Desiree and said ‘This would be awesome,’” Ellis said. “The whole concept was appealing — you bring in your container and get what you want, how much you want and not have to pay for the brand name and the packaging.” 

Baumler said the more she and Ellis talked about it, the more it just made sense. The duo began seriously planning their new business venture two months ago, while both continued to work full-time at different jobs.

Their priorities for products at the new refillery are that they must be clean as well as biodegradable or compostable. So far, the new business offers various soaps and cleaning solutions as well as hygiene products and toothpaste tablets.

The new store, open from 5-8 p.m., Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, also sells empty reusable glass and metal containers to reduce landfill waste and help the environment.

Full article available in the January 23 Decorah Leader.

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