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 – and so 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 enough to have such 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 exciting plans for the future – including live music and a bottle shop offering.

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