Moonflower searches out new small businesses to feature

Personal care section adds bulk items, partners with small manufacturers

Things are shifting over at Moonflower Community Co-Op. Items are moving around at the beloved local shop as a full store reorganization takes place — not only moving but multiplying.

“It’s been a lot of 10- to 12-hour days restocking shelves,” said Heather Daigle with a laugh. “But the community has been really supportive and I think it’ll turn out great.”

Daigle is Moonflower’s merchandising coordinator and personal care department manager. Changes began as she focused on expanding the personal care department to better align with Moonflower’s core values of sustainability, local business support, and community engagement.

“In the personal care department, I handle purchasing and decide largely on the products we carry,” she says. “One thing I really wanted to do is to bring in more independent vendors and handmade goods, while being mindful of the ingredients used.”

“I’m trying to find many different products that are at different price points,” she said. “Not everyone wants to buy a $40 bottle of shampoo all the time, but I want there to be something nice and well-made for everyone.”

Since most of these products are bought directly from small businesses, making personal connections with these vendors is invaluable to Daigle. 

Moab locals and longtime Moonflower vendors Sundial Medicinals and Wild Raven Herbals came in to talk to Daigle and help shape the way she found small custom businesses to feature. 

“They have taken the time to come in and educate me. It’s been really fun to learn so much and reach out to so many amazing people,” Daigle said. 

Using social media and making connections through referrals has helped her add businesses like Salty Dog Farm, a couple out of Boulder, Utah, who make soap from their own herd of goats, or Loam, a “small-batch apothecary” based in Santa Fe. 

“When I connect with one amazing creator, I find others through them,” she says. For instance, finding Loam led to also connecting with Rabbit Brush Goods, which creates hair care products. Heather’s dedication, from building relationships with vendors to carefully curating products. 

“I’m also working on expanding our bulk section so people can buy products at a lower cost, use refill containers, and even make their own products,” said Daigle.

Moonflower’s aisles hadn’t been reorganized for quite a while, and while Daigle was adding products some challenges became apparent. 

“We noticed that the corner that the personal care and supplements were in didn’t receive the respect it deserved. That spurred us to move things around,” she revealed. The corner is just outside of the stockroom, in a high-traffic area. 

“Moving these items up to the front of the store gives people more space and time to check things out, and also frees up some space for more food items. 

“I think people are excited about the bulk section,” said Daigle, but urged customers to reach out with any wants and needs. 

“I’m curious what folks would want to see on our shelves, both in the bulk department and in general,” she says. “I’m just a former outdoor educator with a cool boss who has encouraged me in this project. Reorganizing and rethinking things is time-consuming right now, but it’s worth it.”

Author: Maggie McGuire

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