RETAIL THERAPY
F I N D U S AT The Source Bulk Foods 176/180 Commercial Road, Prahran. 9510 3000
THE S0URCE BULK FOODS \ PR AHR AN
The Source Bulk Foods is a haven for those concerned with health and the environment. Every grain, pulse, seed and powder you can think of can be found here, ready for you to scoop up into your own container.
What’s in store? More than 400 natural and organic products, including nuts, superfoods, rice, beans and legumes, dried fruit, teas, herbs and raw chocolates. “We even have natural cleaning products – shampoo and body wash – all in bulk format,” Brenda says.
Our pick The very now superfood, matcha, is rich in antioxidants and makes a great latte. $35.50 per 100 grams.
Who’s buying? Prahran locals come in to do regular shops. Brenda says they also get customers from across Melbourne and country Victoria who’ve heard about the shop. “Our customers range from those who are very environmentally conscious or health conscious, to those who are just looking for a great snack or that special ingredient in a very specific amount,” she says. ● JEMIMAH CLEGG
(SCOTT McNAUGHTON)
Who’s behind the counter? Brenda Teh and her husband Terry opened the shop two years ago after quitting jobs in the corporate sector. “We’ve always wanted to start a business that would be ecologically sustainable and we saw a gap in the market for buying local, natural and organic goods in a zero-waste setting,” Brenda says. Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers and can purchase the exact amount they require, meaning waste is minimised. “It has been great to see customers returning with big bags of jars to fill up,” Brenda says.
SALES PITCH “All of our natural food products are sold from bulk tubs or jars where customers can buy exactly the amount they need and use any packaging they choose” – Brenda Teh, owner
SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 \ THE WEEKLY REVIEW 23