The first shop in the world where items are bought with kindness instead of cash opened in Dumfries this week.
Customers are being asked to volunteer their time to local charities in exchange for goods at the new outlet in the town’s Loreburne Centre.
The Cumberland Building Society is funding the Kinder Shop project.
Phil Ward, brand manager with the society, said: “We believe that this is the first time anyone has tried this. It’s unusual, but we hope that it will really put the spotlight on what a difference kindness can make.
“As a business we are committed to being kinder to our staff, our customers and our planet and this is our way of encouraging others to join us on that mission.
“We hope the charities involved – Queen of the South Association, Food Train, Kate’s Kitchen, Mossburn Community Farm, Massive Outpouring of Love, Sustrans Scotland, Sandside Community Garden Trust and The Bridge D&G – will benefit from the extra exposure and find some new volunteers too.” Lockerbie mum Alex Fleming and her 16-week-old baby Finlay were among the first through the doors.
Alex went home with a garden seat and a tricycle for her toddler, Brodie, which she will pay for by volunteering for 15 hours at Mossburn near Lochmaben.
She said: “I think it is such a lovely idea. I was surprised that the items were all new and of all such high quality.
“It’s a great way to encourage people to give back to the community.”
Alison Donnelly will be giving 16 hours of her time for her purchases of house plants and a picnic set.
She said: “I think it is an amazing idea. I love animals so I’ll be happy to give my time to help at the animal farm. It’s a nice way to show that sometimes time is the most valuable thing you can give.”
She said: “The time people are volunteering will be a huge help to us and I couldn’t resist making a purchase myself while I was here. I got a lovely oak chair for which I will be volunteering some time to help with Food Train to help people with their shopping.”
