Refill, Reuse and Reimagine: How Molloy’s is Reshaping Retail with Sustainability

In the heart of Cambridge, Ontario, a quiet revolution in retail has been unfolding for the past seven years, where co-founders Pete Molloy and BJ O’Brien opened Molloy’s Bulk and Refill & Soap Supply, a brick-and-mortar retailer that offers refillable products to its community while keeping bottles out of landfills.

What began as a vision to offer organic household cleaners and skincare products has grown into a thriving local hub where customers can refill, reuse and rethink their consumption habits. The store’s model is simple: bring your own containers or use Molloy’s branded ones and refill them from a wide selection of bulk products. It’s a concept that not only reduces waste but also redefines convenience and care.

A member of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Molloy’s has built a loyal community, especially among families seeking eco-friendly alternatives. Their commitment to sustainability has clearly resonated with the community, leading them to move into a larger space to meet growing demand. On Tuesdays, it has become a local tradition to arrive with laundry baskets filled with reusable containers to take advantage of Molloy’s refill Tuesday discounts. It’s a scene that speaks volumes about the power of small actions and the loyalty that comes from doing business from the heart.

Combined with their bottle exchange program, Pete and BJ estimate they have redirected at least 200,000 bottles away from landfills, a staggering impact for a small business. But perhaps more importantly, they have inspired a community to rethink consumption, embrace sustainability and support local innovation.

Molloy’s shows us that small businesses can lead big changes. By redefining how retail can be done, Pete and BJ have built a model for sustainable living. Their approach reminds us that refilling, reusing and reimagining isn’t just a business strategy but a mindset for a more sustainable future.