Tucked on Emu Bay Road in Deloraine, Forage and Store is a testament to community and sustainable living. Owned and operated by Melissa Sherriff and Andrew Gleeson, the store champions organic, natural foods and eco-friendly products. “We’re interested in organic foods, natural products, and keeping things as healthy as possible,” says Andrew. With a background steeped in organics—Andrew has spent over 25 years in wholesaling fresh, organic produce—the duo saw a natural progression into retail.
Andrew’s journey began in the Deloraine butter factory. For their own venture, community connection was something they aimed to encourage at Forage and Store. Shoppers can browse an extensive selection of pantry staples, household items, and unique products that reflect the growing demand for sustainable choices. “We’ve mainly extended the range of products,” Melissa explains. “There may have been 2,000 items here before; now, we stock around 3,000 to meet the community’s needs.”
A standout feature of the shop is the bulk bins, which attract a steady flow of regular customers and passersby alike. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own containers, reducing waste and minimising packaging. “People love coming in to fill up on just what they need—no waste,” Melissa notes. “And they save on packaging, too.” This simple yet effective approach has become a popular alternative to the nearby supermarket, allowing the community to shop consciously and sustainably.
Melissa and Andrew took over the store from a previous owner, Keith, and although they’ve added their own touches, the essence remains. “We kept things quite similar to how it was before,” Melissa says. The shop still has the familiar bulk bins, a feature that the community appreciates for its practicality and low environmental impact. And while they’ve expanded the range, they have stayed true to the core values that drew customers in the first place.
With such a close-knit community, the support from friends, family, and former owner Keith Swift has been indispensable. “Tanya (Wilson) still works here two days a week, helping guide us,” Melissa shares, adding that their family was essential during the initial stages, helping with “hours of painting and cleaning.” Keith and his son David (who runs Wholesome House in Mowbray) also provided invaluable advice, helping Melissa and Andrew navigate challenges and manage the shift from wholesale to retail.
The community has embraced the store’s revival. “Everyone’s been super positive,” says Melissa. “People were devastated when they thought it might close, as there’s nothing quite like this here.” Regular customers, tourists, and locals alike pop in frequently, some stopping by multiple times a day. “It’s good to see people who come in two or three times a day, just to grab a couple of things,” Andrew adds, expressing gratitude for the loyalty shown by the community.
Looking ahead, Melissa and Andrew are open to evolving the store further but are in no rush to make major changes. “There are a few ideas we’re throwing around, but it all takes time,” Melissa says, opting to let the business grow naturally based on the community’s needs. For now, the focus remains on offering quality products, fostering a sustainable shopping experience, and building relationships with those who walk through the doors.
For Andrew and Melissa, Deloraine is more than just a place to do business; it’s home. Both were born and raised here and can’t imagine living anywhere else. “It’s just a nice little town with lots of nice shops and the river,” says Melissa. Andrew shares this sentiment, adding that working in the shop has allowed him to reconnect with familiar faces from his past. “It’s nice to see people you wouldn’t often run into,” he reflects.
As they welcome shoppers into Forage and Store, Melissa and Andrew continue to offer more than just products—they’re nurturing a space where community values, sustainability, and a love for Deloraine shine through.
