Uniquely Durham

by durham, January 28, 2009 | Permalink

Welcome to the Whole Foods Market Durham Store Blog! We’re excited to have this new medium for letting folks know what we’re up to and hearing from you as well!

I wanted to start our first post with something completely unique to Whole Foods Market in Durham. The first thing that comes to mind is one of our newest local vendors, Rockin’ the Stove. The entrepreneur of this local business is someone that most “Durhamites” know as Chef Shirle’ as she’s one of the most notable personal chefs in the area.

But little did we know that Chef Shirle’ is also quite crafty, and she sews a mean tote bag! Months ago Shirle’ approached me about the disposal of banners that we use in the front of our store to promote specials, events, and such. Up until then, I had been regretfully throwing them away each month as there wasn’t an outlet for recycling vinyl at the time.

She wanted to use those old banners and turn them into tote bags, and I was all for it! She started collecting the banners (often dozens at a time) and after working through some kinks, we’re finally selling them in the store!

Check out Chef Shirle’ showing off the first batch of bags available in our store.

Chef Shirle and her tote bags made from our recycled banners

There are still a few of those bags left, and we’ll be getting more in soon! So come check them out. At only $39 a piece, they are a real steal for a one-of-a-kind locally made gem! No two tote bags are the same!

Because they are made of vinyl, they are a stylish and easy solution for recycling bags in your home. Maybe it can hang on a hook in your kitchen where you can just toss in your recycling. Then if you end up with a little spill, no worries, because you can just hose it out on your way back in the house after taking it to the curb!

You can keep up with Chef Shirle’ on her own blog, Rockin’ the Stove.