A first-of-its kind store for the city has opened in Westgate.
Koko, 15 N. Westmoor Ave., mixes its refillery, a first for Columbus, along with a number of other sustainable living products for a curation of apothecary, household cleaning items and more.
At the refillery, customers are able to do what the name implies – refill bottles that they bring in or purchase at Koko with an array of personal care to household cleaning products.
“The main piece here is the refillery, which enables customer to reduce their single plastic use by buying things that they might often buy in single use plastic, like laundry detergent, like shampoo, by the ounce and refill over and over and over again,” says Co-Founder Adria Hall.
In addition to the refillery, Hall says the store offers a number of items that can help customers reduce the amount of plastic in their lives and curb waste in other ways. Koko carries everything from compostable dish brushes and reusable dish cloths, to shampoo bars and primarily vegan apothecary items in sustainable packaging.
An on-the-go section also features items like water bottles, reusable straws, beeswax wraps, reusable produce bags and more.
Koko aims to be accessible in introducing customers to a more sustainable lifestyle.
“We looked at the market and saw that sustainability was often cloaked in privilege. We believe what happens to this planet affects everyone, therefore sustainability is for everyone,” stated Co-Founder Jamie Fairman. “Each person’s sustainability journey and efforts will look a little different, but we are here to help make it approachable and accessible to all.”
That’s part of the reason Hall, who is also a resident of the neighborhood, is excited to be in Westgate.
“We are really happy to be bringing business and attention to this vibrant corner of Columbus,” Hall says. “It was really important for us to choose a storefront that supported our goal of making sustainability more accessible.”
Koko is a part of the Westgate Business Works, which includes coffee shop Third Way Cafe and gallery 3060 Artworks.
Hall and Fairman are also owners of Forage, a plant shop with locations in Louisville, Lexington and Denver.
Koko is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. with private shopping available by appointment only on Tuesdays. Curbside pickup is also available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
For more information, visit kokotheshop.com.
