You can see more pictures of me here: Nigel's Album
The History of Nigel's Eco Store
Nigels Eco Store was launched at the beginning of 2005, and was inspired by an article I read in The Independent about the top green household products at that time. Until then I was running an environmentally friendly publishers, and had not really explored the potential of the internet.
During my research I discovered a lot of really innovative products both energy-saving, and also design-oriented. I wanted to show that being green didnt necessarily have to be a compromise, that there is eco friendly stuff out there that is attractive, aspirational and desirable things that Id be happy to have in my own home, because they look good, and work, whilst minimising their impact on the environment.
The first version of the website went live at the end of February 2005, and at first I started packing the orders from home, carrying sacks full of parcels to the post office every day, then I got in friends to help.
In April 2007 we moved to premises in Hove which was decorated with eco friendly paints, and low energy lightbulbs everywhere, and which we used partly as a shop. It became obvious pretty quickly that we couldnt run a shop and a website from the same place at the same time, and we needed the space for new team members, so we turned it back into offices, and decided to focus on our website. But who knows, we might open a physical shop somewhere else, some day.
In our first year of web trading we had 4,000 customers, (by mid 2007 this was up to 15,000) and customer feedback has been great; people like the products and are happy with our service. We aim to deliver quickly and safely, be as helpful as possible, and resolve any problems with minimum fuss.
Customers seem to like our honest, down to earth approach.
In the last year we have seen growing traffic and rising numbers of people interested in what we do coupled with a growing awareness of climate change and environmental issues. People are recognising how changing simple everyday habits can make a difference such as using Ecoballs for your laundry rather than detergent, using an Eco Kettle to boil the exact amount of water when you make a cuppa, or saving energy with innovative gadgets like a Radiator Booster or an Energy Wizard.
Were always working on our range, and continuing to build awareness of what we do.
We sell a growing and eclectic mix of products representing the best of whats available right now, that will enable us all to move towards a more positive, sustainable, and eco future including cleaning and household goods, furniture, stuff for the bedroom and bathroom, lighting, accessories, gifts, and things for him, her and them.
If you have any comments or feedback, a suggestion for us, or anything else, we'd love to hear from you, so do get in touch!
