Foragers is launching a new online marketplace on Mother's Day which means people can stay in bed and have the market come to them.
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Kirrily Sinclair said considerable work has gone into setting up the new online marketplace and she has been encouraged by the number of businesses wanting to come on board.
Mrs Sinclair said people have really missed going to a Foragers market but now they can access many of the same products from the comfort of home and have them delivered.
Foragers Events was established to bring communities together to support smaller, local businesses.
From the handcrafted to the homemade, its events thrive on connecting passionate producers with customers in a relaxed environment.
"Our online marketplace is the natural extension to this," Mrs Sinclair said.
With so many people social distancing the producers who normally attend Foragers Markets have felt the financial impact of not being able to bring their product to the community. And consumers have been missing their ability to stroll through a market and purchase from passionate small businesses.
Until that is possible again the online marketplace will operate as a platform where Foragers Events can showcase the offerings of the many small businesses and provide a contactless delivery service to get market traders' products to the consumer.
"We're super proud to be including dozens of boutique traders," Mrs Sullivan said.
They include All Things Acai, Curiosity Chocolates, Dark Forest Beverages, Westmont Pickles, Leif Tea Co, Moreish Menu, NueBar, Madbagss, Jollie Gourmet puppy treats, Gypsy Supply Co, Rita's Farm and Shorthive.
"The collection and curation of the products have been designed to reflect the values of Forages Markets," Mrs Sinclair said.
"We're all about offering an eclectic mix of designers, artisans, and makers the opportunity to reach a wider, more conscious market.
"You will be able to get fresh fruit and veg and most things. We have around 90 vendors who have joined us. People are really enthusiastic about it".
Mrs Sinclair said COVID-19 had brought about the biggest challenge Foragers Events has faced in its six year history.
But after a lot of work setting the new online marketplace up while also home schooling her eight year old son she is looking forward to relaxing with the family on Mother's Day and watching it all operate smoothly online.
She hopes it means many mums can stay in bed longer and not have to go out on Sunday.
Mrs Sinclair said with any enterprise it was important to diversity, stay relevant and give everyone what they want.
She is confident Foragers Events has done that with the online marketplace.
"It was hard to make the change because people love coming out in the fresh air at the markets, picking things up, looking at them and enjoying the whole tactile experience. But we can't do that right now".
But with the online marketplace Foragers can still get really fresh produce out to people quickly.
"The fruit and veg is picked the day before," she said.
"It doesn't get much fresher than that. I think that is a really important thing for the people of the Illawarra to be able to access".
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
