Dunshalt Community Shop is a community owned business, a local shop, cafe and take-away. We are a Community Benefit Society and have some 200 members who all bought shares in the shop to get us started. The members elect a Committee to oversee the running of the shop and we employ a Manager and other staff to operate the shop, supported by volunteers.
Introducing Dunshalt Community Shop
How did Dunshalt Community Shop come about?
Our village shop closed in 2016 and was put up for sale. No buyers came forward and the owners applied for planning permission to convert the shop into a house. We knew the shop would be lost forever if that happened so a group of villagers got together, fund raised and were able to buy the shop building. More fund raising and hard work allowed the shop to be refurbished and we opened in March 2020.
What were the main challenges you had to overcome?
Our first challenge was opening then immediately closing due to Covid lockdown. We quickly changed our operating model moving to a delivery service until we could re-open. Another challenge that we have is that our village is small, 150 houses. So while we have great support from the village we have to attract visitors from further afield to keep afloat. This requires constant effort to let folk know we’re here. Recently we had brown tourist signs erected so that passers-by on the A91 know we’re here.
How was the project funded?
As a Community Benefit Society any profits we make are invested in the business or donated to local community projects. As a “not for profit” organisation we could apply for a range of grant funding which, along with shares bought by local people, funded our start-up costs.
How did these experiences help shape Dunshalt?
We are very community focussed, ranging from volunteer input to actively seeking local produce to sell in the shop. We are delighted when customers comment on how attractive the shop is, how friendly our staff are and the range and quality of produce for such a small shop.
What impact has the shop had on the local community?
The shop is a great asset to Dunshalt. Not only is it a lovely place to shop or eat it also brings the community together. A local shop is very much the hub of a village where people meet, chat and make social connections. We employ 9 local people, hold events, host work placements, provide opportunities for volunteers and support other local groups. This all makes for a stronger community.
How big a part has local produce played?
We love our local produce and it plays a big part in what we offer. As much as we can we use local suppliers and highlight locally produced food. Fife has a great food offering and we want to be part of promoting this and making it available locally.
What are your best-selling lines for each season?
We stock Fisher and Donaldson cakes, fudge donuts are our best sellers. In winter, our home-made soup is popular while in the summer cyclists stop off for drinks and filled rolls. We have a small area for locally produced crafts which sell well, especially at Christmas.
What would you have done differently given the benefit of hindsight?
Making a profit would be nice! Although we are enthusiastic we didn’t start with much knowledge of retail so have learned as we went along. We have drawn on support from a range of organisations but accessing that specialist knowledge at an early stage would have served us well.
What do you find most challenging in the current climate?
Like all small businesses just now we face ever rising costs so increasing sales to cover this is our biggest challenge.
How can Food From Fife Members Help?
Any Food from Fife Members who are local food producers can get in touch and we can talk about stocking their products. We’ve recently started stocking apple juice from East Neuk Orchards and broccoli crisps from Growers Garden thanks to the last Food from Fife networking event.
23 The Wynd, Dunshalt, Cupar, KY14 7HE
Email: dcs23shopmanager@outlook.com
Tel: 01337 258008
