Popular reuse shop reopens after two year absence

Bob Bowyer took on the shop after it closed down in 2023

A shop at a recycling centre in Taunton which takes unwanted items destined for the tip and resells them has reopened after two years.

Originally opened in 2013, the unit had to close down in 2023 after the death of the previous owner.

However, local man Bob Bowyer offered to take on the shop, which reopened at the start of the year.

He said his passion for recycling and resusing pre-loved items gave him the motivation to reopen the shop.

The shop is based at Taunton's recycling centre, and the team take items which still have life left in them, clean them up, and sell them on.

Mr Bowyer said he jumped at the chance to reopen the shop, and said: "I used to actually run a tip many years ago, so it's in my blood as it were, so when the opportunity came up to give this a go, thats what I've done.

"I love recycling. I love giving things another chance."

The shop is a treasure trove of items, with everything from antique chairs and retro furniture, to golf clubs and DVDs.

Mr Bowyer said while he has to turn a profit, he wants to sell things as cheap as he can.

"We can't see any point in making the things expensive because we get so much in here, so the idea is to move as much as we can and keep it out of the ground," he added.

The shop sells things destined for the tip

Steve came back to manage the shop after its two year absence

Steve stepped in to manage the reopened shop, as he had done before its closure in 2023.

He said he missed "the buzz" of the shop, as well as talking to and meeting people during the closure.

He added his reaction to coming back to the shop was: "Thank you very much, I'm there... no hesitation at all."

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council's lead member for transport and waste, said: "Extending the life of the things we own helps to protect the environment.

"We know that residents love this local offer and have been looking forward to it reopening."

"The shop helps to conserve materials and energy while offering a bargain."