South Melbourne Market Has Launched a Drive-Thru Grocery Pick-Up Point

With some supermarket shelves proving to be a lucky dip situation and social distancing top of everyone's mind, grocery shopping sure ain't what it used to be. But South Melbourne Market is here to help you keep your fridge full and your human contact to a minimum, this week rolling out a new order and collect system.

The site remains open as usual, but if you'd rather avoid the crowds you can now order supplies from a range of market traders, pay online and then pick up your haul from the York Street Carpark on Thursdays. The order cut-off for most of the traders will be midday on Wednesdays.

You'll find a hefty list of participating traders online, including fresh meat and seafood from the likes of Kirkpatrick's Meats and The Fish Shoppe, deli goods from vendors like La Central and Vangeli's Deli, and other specialty groceries from sellers including Agathe Patisserie, South Melbourne Market Organics, The Fresh Pasta Shop and Swords Select Wine & Beer. Heck, you can even stock up on things like board games, fashion and gifts, courtesy of traders like Ruby & Sky, Suki McMaster and Elementary Skincare.

Tracey Ah-kee

The collection point will operate a bit like a drive-thru, so you won't even need to get out of the car. It'll be operating between 2–7pm on Thursday with service areas sanitised regularly, and is set to be completely cashless.

If you're self-isolating or don't want to leave the house at all, a number of South Melbourne Market traders are also offering home-delivery services, covering everything from fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals to booze. See the full lineup and ordering instructions over at the website.

Melbourne's other major markets Queen Victoria Market, Prahran Market and Preston Market continue to offer a range of products for home delivery via YourGrocer, though some are only available to existing customers.

South Melbourne Market's drive-thru is open from 2–7pm on Thursdays. Pre-order over here.