Downtown boutique enhances refillable section after receiving small-business grant

April 22, 2026

A downtown Sioux Falls boutique is expanding a key part of its business after receiving a small-business grant aimed at helping retailers grow.

Terra Shepherd Boutique & Apothecary, owned by Sara Jamison, recently added dozens of new refillable household and personal care products after being selected for a Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant from American Express and Main Street America.

The funding allowed the store to introduce 48 additional product SKUs, significantly growing a refillable section that has been part of the business since it opened in 2019.

New additions include bulk refill options for liquid laundry detergent, dish soap, skin care and hair care products, as well as hand soap, body wash, lotion, toilet cleaner and other household cleaning items.

Jamison said refillable products have long been a consistent driver of traffic for the business.

“These consumable, everyday-use items have always helped drive consistent customer traffic while aligning with our mission to make sustainability more accessible,” she said.

Interest in the category has increased notably in the past year, she added, particularly as shoppers adjust spending habits.

“Whenever there is economic uncertainty, shopping at a boutique can feel like a luxury,” Jamison said. “Carrying household essentials that align with our values makes it possible to stay relevant in our customers’ minds even when they aren’t shopping for clothing.”

Terra Shepherd was one of two downtown retailers to receive the latest round of Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grants, which are designed to help businesses invest in improvements that enhance the customer experience and support long-term growth.

For Jamison, the expansion builds on growing consumer demand for sustainable options that don’t require a major lifestyle shift.

“I think most individuals really do want to shop more sustainably, but it can be incredibly overwhelming,” she said. “People either don’t have the time to research options, feel like they have to sacrifice product efficacy or feel like they have to overhaul their entire routine to make a difference.”

Instead, the store focuses on helping customers make incremental changes.

“Our team works really hard to meet people exactly where they are and connect them to the best possible products for their specific needs,” Jamison said. “We encourage people to make small changes rather than striving for perfection when it comes to sustainability.”

Customer feedback reflects that approach, with comments including:

• “I can’t be perfect, but Terra Shepherd makes it easy and educates their shoppers about the why and how to shop sustainably,” shopper Kayla Hathaway said. “Sara and staff do an amazing job of helping and encouraging individuals to start small and make a big impact both for sustainability and supporting local.”
• “Terra Shepherd takes the hard work out of finding cost-effective swaps that are good for the planet and me,” Taylor Gibson said.
• “I hate seeing how much single-use plastic goes into my garbage every week,” Nicole David said. “Why keep buying containers over and over again when we can reuse them? I’ve also noticed improvements in my health from some of my swaps. A lot of the things I refill are actually cheaper to buy this way than if I were to get the alternative at the regular store.”
• “I know I can trust the products to be safe, effective and ethically sourced,” Takara Schomberg said. “Getting household products at Terra Shepherd takes the guesswork out of it.”

Jamison said that combination of accessibility and education has helped build loyalty around the refill concept.

For customers unsure about making the switch, she recommends starting small, adding that product quality and potential cost savings often encourage customers to continue.

“I would encourage people to start with trying just one refillable product,” she said. “Whenever something is new or unfamiliar, it can feel overwhelming. Starting with one thing and making it a habit helps to eliminate any initial overwhelm.”

Terra Shepherd Boutique & Apothecary at 218 S. Phillips Ave. is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. It is closed Mondays.

The post Downtown boutique enhances refillable section after receiving small-business grant appeared first on SiouxFalls.Business.