For so many Australians, the local Milk Bar was a staple growing up for milk, bread and mixed lollies! Nowadays, the rise of the General Store is giving locals a sustainable alternative to the big supermarkets!
With friendly service, local and international produce and a community vibe, the General Store stocks many essentials at a grass roots level.
John’s Nuts & Deli: Shop 30/47 Paisley St, Footscray
Wander into John’s Nuts & Deli and you will find a treasure trove of produce – colourful nuts, dried fruits, coffee, aromatic spices and food from all corners of the globe.
Reflecting Footscray’s diversity, the store’s produce and products evolve with the community’s needs; and are sourced from regions worldwide to ensure the freshest quality is met.
With Lebanese pita bread, fresh dates, Italian gluten free pasta, eggs, Croatian jam and frozen African greens, John’s Nuts & Deli is more than a simple nut shop!
Eka Wholefoods: 129 Buckley St, Seddon
Organic produce is the heart and soul of Eka Wholefoods, with the importance on locally sourced, non-processed and chemically free products taking pride of place in their store.
Reducing their carbon footprint by encouraging customers to bring in refillable containers, Eka’s produce is all vegan and vegetarian, with a wide variety of gluten-free items available.
Selling everything from vegan cheese, mylk, cakes, legumes, vinegar and ramen through to soap, toilet cleaner and dishwashing liquid, Eka Wholefoods also offer delivery straight to your home!
Harry & Larry’s General Store: 4 Yewers Street, Footscray
Harry & Larry’s is Footscray’s urban general store. With an eclectic minimart feel, Harry & Larry’s sell everyday essentials, fresh produce, dairy and meat, as well as freshly picked flowers, alcohol and ready-made meals.
With a focus on locally sourced items alongside recognisable brands, Harry & Larry’s offer same day delivery for customers located within a 5km radius.
With a café serving Allpress Coffee, burritos and Slice Girls West pizza, Harry & Larry’s General Store is the perfect all-rounder to rival the big supermarkets.
Ecopact Groceries: 208 Nicholson Street, Footscray
With a focus on sustainable shopping, Ecopact Groceries supplies ethically and locally sourced produce with a spotlight on recycling and zero waste.
Customers are encouraged to shop affordably by bringing their own bags, bottles and jars and using them to purchase fresh milk, honey, nuts and spices – even freshly churned peanut butter! Also stocking Rumble Coffee beans, fresh bread and pastries from Crumbs Organic Bakery and dairy products from Schulz Organic Farms, Ecopact offers more than just food.
With a variety of cleaning, laundry and personal hygiene products, Ecopact Groceries is a modern-day sustainable general store.
Vari’s Organics: 590 Barkly St, West Footscray
Established in the 1960’s, Vari’s Organics is a family run business, operated by second generation fruiterers, passionate about providing a healthy lifestyle. Selling 100% certified organic produce including fruit and vegetables, Zeally Bay bread, groceries and household items, Vari’s Organics is the true definition of a grass roots general store.
To meet demand for affordable produce farmed in an eco-friendly manner, Vari’s Organics created a selection of seasonal boxes, containing hand-picked fruit and veg that change weekly.
With delivery available to Melbourne’s West, Vari’s Organics also offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten free products for people wanting chemically free alternatives.