Forage Merchants of Wellington

In the central Lower Hutt suburb of Alicetown lies Forage Merchants, a charming little retail store with a focus on local artisan producers. With a range that includes food and drink, health and beauty, art, music and so much more, Forage Merchants celebrates the very best of what the greater Wellington region has to offer.

When owner Guy McInroe’s previous job was disestablished during Covid, he took the rare opportunity to start something completely new; the concept of Forge was born. Guy's passion for what he does is evident from the moment you arrive – the friendly chats over freshly made coffee, the expertly curated store and the top-notch service, always delivered with a smile. 

In a region that is fortunate to have a wide range of high-quality artisan producers, partnering with brands that align with the store tends to be a pretty simple task. There are many well-known brands, such as Six Barrel Soda and Karamu Coffee, along with plenty of new discoveries, ripe for the picking. From the sheep cheese and locally made milks, to chutneys, sauces, chocolate and fresh bread, supporting local businesses has never been so enjoyable. 

With a vision of building a community of like-minded artisans and artists to continue showcasing the best the region has to offer, Forage Merchants has recently opened The Shed, an intimate, 35-seat venue that regularly hosts live performances of local and touring artists.

Whether you’re after a thoughtful gift, some basics or essentials, or something delicious to brighten up your day, there’s a world of possibilities waiting for you at Forage Merchants.