Package-free store in Prague announces closure

The Bezobalu chain, known for its package-free food stores, has announced on Facebook that it will be winding down its operations in the coming weeks and shall definitively close two out of three stores. Only its Prague 6 branch has a chance of staying open.

The association will be gradually selling out its inventory in the coming weeks and has also decided to end its non-profit educational division. It will soon inform customers about the exact dates of store closings.

The stores affected by the closure are located in Prague's Vinohrady and Florenc neighborhoods.

The company noted that the Covid-19 pandemic badly damaged its finances and eroded any profits made. “We never fully recovered from the events of the last three years,” representatives of the organization said.

Bezobalu stores are known for offering a wide range of durable food, freshly baked goods, fruit, and vegetables from Czech organic farmers. Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable containers to minimize waste from disposable packaging. The stores are operated by the company Nekonzum, founded and owned by the Bezobalu association.

The Bezobalu group was established in March 2013 by a group of people who sought to provide an alternative for customers pursuing a sustainable lifestyle. Initially, it catered to a limited circle of families, but over time, its customer base expanded.

In May 2015, the company took a significant step by renting the premises of former warehouses on Bělehradská Street in Prague 2. Subsequently, in September 2018, Bezobalu opened its second branch in Prague 6, which it says may stay open.

The news of Bezobalu's closure is likely to be received with sadness by the community that appreciated the organization's commitment to sustainable living and reducing waste. As the association prepares to close its doors, its impact on promoting eco-consciousness in Prague will be remembered.