Photography courtesy of Scott & Scott Architects unless otherwise noted.
The next big thing in retail (we hope)? And now we have another buy-in-bulk store to add to our growing list: The Soap Dispensary, the first of its kind in Vancouver, Canada.
Recently, architects Susan and David Scott, of Scott & Scott Architects, brought news of the couple’s latest venture: In November, they expanded into the adjacent storefront to open Kitchen Staples, which sells dry, fresh, and frozen foods in bulk.
“There are two equal halves—one for The Soap Dispensary and one for Kitchen Staples—with a walk-through at the front for the public and at the rear for the staff,” says David. Pictured is the interior view of Kitchen Staples, facing toward the street.
A single dispensing bar bisects the narrow space.
A curated selection of non-plastic kitchen essentials is displayed on regionally sourced Douglas fir plywood shelving.
“The service counter is topped with soapstone from a quarry in Quebec and fitted with 26 stainless steel and oiled ash taps,” says David.
A shop assistant refills cooking oil for a customer.
Photograph by Fahim Kassam, courtesy of Scott & Scott Architects.
A selection of spices at the ready.
Photograph by Fahim Kassam, courtesy of Scott & Scott Architects.
Customers’ home-brought jars waiting to be refilled. The store also offers a range of bags, bottles, and jars for purchase; there’s even a “free bin” of donated containers.