Ann Donnelly Photo
By Ann Donnelly
When visitors walk into the building at 12 E. Washington St. in Glens Falls, the first thing they notice is the scent. For Kevin Kroeze, owner of the Use Less Store, that sensory experience is just the gateway to a business model designed to change how the community consumes everyday goods.
The shop, which opened in early October, is centered on a concept Kroeze calls a “refillery”. It is an effort to provide Glens Falls with a sustainable alternative to the “buy-and-toss” cycle of modern retail.
“The Use Less Store is built around the centerpiece there, which is the refillery,” Kroeze said. “And that’s where we have bulk products—cleaners, shampoo, conditioner, you know, body care items like that. You can just bring in your empty container and refill it rather than buy another container to recycle and throw out”.
The store’s inventory extends beyond liquids. Kroeze stocks a variety of non-toxic plastic replacements, including shampoo bars, solid dish soap, and laundry detergent sheets. The shelves also feature glass straws, wood utensils, and bamboo cutting boards.
Kroeze’s path to entrepreneurship followed a 28-year career in the printing industry, including time at Quad Graphics. After nearly three decades of 12-hour shifts and 72-hour workweeks, the transition to small-business owner was driven by a desire for a different pace of life.
“We’re empty nesters, my wife and I,” Kroeze said. “I didn’t necessarily need all that, and I wanted to really be close to home. I can, and I have done it—I left my house at 10:59 and got to work on time for 11”.
The idea for the store grew from a personal hobby: thrifting. Kroeze originally began thrifting as a way to spend time with his children. Today, a third of the shop is dedicated to a thrift section featuring items Kroeze has salvaged or refurbished, including the store’s own furniture.
“I bring some stuff in here that kind of fits the mold and allows people to use less money buying things that they need around the house,” Kroeze said. “A lot of the stuff is destined for the dump, you know, if somebody doesn’t buy it. It might as well be me”.
Kroeze is pragmatic about sustainability. He intentionally chose the name “Use Less” rather than “Zero Waste” to avoid overwhelming customers.
“I think people get nervous about it, that they’ve got to like make all these changes,” he said. “So I try to keep the products so they look just like the ones that you already bought, just out of sustainable materials”.
He points to the bamboo spatula as a prime example of a simple swap. Unlike plastic versions, bamboo is sustainable, does not scratch pans, and will not melt into food. “It’s not a big change,” he said. “I mean, you can use the bottles you already have at home… if you make it too hard or too complicated, then it won’t take off”.
Cost is another factor Kroeze considers when selecting inventory. He avoids products that are prohibitively expensive, even if they are eco-friendly. “I don’t think you should have to break the bank to change,” Kroeze said. “I want to get into more of the sustainable materials… but if I can find an upcycled product that competes with a store-bought product, I’ll carry it”.
Beyond the physical storefront, Kroeze operates a Shopify store for online orders and limited local delivery. He also maintains a “free box” of bottles for customers who want to use the refillery but forgot to bring their own containers.
The store is located near other local landmarks, such as the Queensbury Hotel and the healthy food store on the corner. Currently, the Use Less Store is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
As the business grows, Kroeze remains focused on the incremental impact of individual choices. “You’re not looking to change the world in a day, but small steps,” Kroeze said. “Use less. Not use zero plastic, use less plastic”.
For more information on The Use Less Store of Glens Falls, visit theuselessstoreofgf.com.