Retail Refugees

Retail Refugees is not only interested in retail that involves clothing, furniture, and toys (for both young and old!), but we also appreciate when food shops innovate in a way that encourages consumers to skip the Drive-Thru at McDonalds and indulge in something a little healthier, more interesting, and of course, eco-friendly.

Below is an example of innovation in food retail, London based UPbox. With a collection of take-away meals all priced at £6, UPbox offers unbleached, recyclable (but stylishly sturdy) cardboard boxes that flip open to reveal a main course, salad and dessert with recyclable cutlery. Their boxes are styled after the Japanese bento sets, and the menu changes weekly taking in a delicious spread of global cuisine – Turkish, Mexican, Thai, Moroccan, French, Indian and Italian.

UPbox is the brainchild of Chef Ines Alfille and her former lawyer husband, Nick and the name stands for Urban Picnic. Their products are healthy and low-carb that are made, where possible, with seasonal, locally sourced and produce.

Meanwhile, according to Wallpaper*, UP Box’s flagship Ludgate Circus store is “a soothing mix of smoked oak, blues and whites; and while it’s a pity that there is no dine-in option, the prospect of seared tuna with Thai pepper crust will hopefully take the sting out of that desk-bound lunch.”