Periods are a natural part of life, yet for many, access to essential menstrual products remains a challenge. Shopping centres, as central hubs for communities, have a unique opportunity to provide essential care for visitors. The Bentall Centre in Kingston is setting a new standard by offering free sustainable period products to shoppers. As one of a few shopping destinations providing this service, Bentall Centre is leading the charge in period inclusivity. Teaming up with TOTM, a leading ethical period care brand and Regular Cleaning, their commercial cleaning partner, this initiative is driving change in how public spaces support menstrual health.
A Simple but Powerful Initiative
Shopping centres are more than just retail spaces, they are places where people spend hours browsing, dining, and socialising. However, many lack access to essential period care supplies. The Bentall Centre is changing this by allowing shoppers to discreetly request free sustainable period products from cleaning or security teams by simply asking for ‘TOTM.’ The initiative ensures that anyone caught off guard by their period while shopping has immediate access to organic, plastic-free period care without stigma or financial burden.
The Bentall Centre management team expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative: “At The Bentall Centre, we believe in supporting our community in meaningful ways. By providing free, sustainable period products, we are not only addressing an essential need but also helping to break the stigma surrounding menstrual health. Shopping centres should be inclusive spaces for everyone, and this initiative ensures that no visitor has to feel uncomfortable or unprepared.”
Hannah Cole, National Account Manager at TOTM, stated “At TOTM, we’re on a mission to inspire better, sustainable ways to manage periods. We want period care to be more accessible and to challenge the stigma around periods. Having a launch event at the Bentalls Centre was a fantastic opportunity to connect with people directly, spark important conversations, and showcase the impact of sustainable period care. It’s brilliant to see the Bentalls Centre leading the way by making period care accessible in their bathrooms—normalising free access and supporting those who need it. The response from shoppers showed just how important it is to keep driving awareness and change.”
Why Shopping Centres Should Prioritise Period Care
Unlike workplaces or schools, shopping centres are public spaces with no guaranteed access to period products. A lack of facilities can leave individuals in distress, forcing them to cut visits short or struggle to find a solution. By implementing free period product initiatives, shopping centres can create a more inclusive, welcoming environment for all visitors. This initiative sets a precedent for other retail destinations to follow, ensuring that public spaces meet the needs of all shoppers.
Supporting the Student Community
Among those most affected by period poverty are students, who often face financial constraints that make purchasing period products difficult. Many young people struggle to balance education, living costs, and personal care essentials, with menstrual products frequently becoming an unaffordable necessity. The Bentall Centre recognises this issue and is committed to supporting its local student population, ensuring that no student has to compromise their education or well-being due to a lack of access to period care. By providing free, sustainable period products in an easily accessible and welcoming environment, the shopping centre is helping students focus on their studies without the added stress of period poverty. This initiative strengthens the centre’s role as a true community hub, fostering a sense of inclusivity and care for younger generations.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility in Retail Spaces
Traditional period products contain up to 90% plastic, with some taking 500 years to decompose. Shopping centres have a responsibility to not only provide products but also ensure they are environmentally friendly. The Bentall Centre’s collaboration with TOTM, a B-Corp certified company, means the products available to shoppers are organic, plastic-free, and biodegradable. This move aligns with the growing sustainability commitments of the shopping centre and modern retail spaces.
Meanwhile, Regular Cleaning, the commercial cleaning contractor for The Bentall Centre, is also playing a crucial role. Known for their commitment to both people and the planet, Regular Cleaning believes that public spaces should deliver positive experiences that improve daily lives. For every case of product (12 boxes) that Regular Cleaning and The Bentall Centre purchase, they donate an additional box of 20 pads to In Kind Direct.
Breaking the Stigma and Supporting Communities
Period poverty affects 1 in 5 women in the UK, preventing them from accessing the products they need. Many shoppers may not feel comfortable discussing menstruation in public spaces, making the availability of free, discreet access to period products even more vital.
In Kind Direct plays a crucial role by distributing essential items to charities, schools, and community groups. Their mission is to ensure everyone has access to the products they need to stay clean, safe, and well. Their involvement ensures that period dignity extends beyond shopping centres, reaching those who need it most.
For the launch event, Bentall Centre also went a step further, matching the number of products handed out on the day as an additional donation, reinforcing their commitment to community well-being and social responsibility.
Stephanie Potter, Marketing Director at Shoppertainment, highlighted the impact of this initiative from a marketing perspective: “Consumers are increasingly looking for brands and businesses that align with their values. This initiative not only provides essential support to shoppers but also demonstrates The Bentall Centre’s commitment to social responsibility. By leading on period inclusivity, the centre strengthens its reputation as a forward-thinking, community-focused destination.”
A Future Where Shopping Centres Champion Inclusivity
The Bentall Centre’s initiative is a blueprint for the future of retail spaces. By prioritising sustainability, accessibility, and dignity, they are setting a new standard for shopping centres nationwide. Could this be the beginning of a national movement toward period inclusivity in all public spaces? One thing is certain, shopping destinations have the power to lead the way.
