Groceries, West End Markets, The Powerhouse and Other Independents

Along with fuel, another difficult group of products to buy unchained is that of Groceries.

As with fuel, the market is controlled by a small number of retailers. In this case 70% market share (excludes convenience stores and other merchants e.g. fruit 'n' veg stores) resides with two dominant retailers: Coles and Woolworths.

It was really these two grocers that we had in mind when we set about undertaking this project. Their buying power and the means they undertake to secure favourable terms over their suppliers is well documented and I don't feel the need to repeat that here ad nauseum.

At a high level, some would see their ability to buy in bulk and at favourable terms as reflecting their prime positions at the head of the grocery service chain; others consider such dominance unhealthy and detrimental to local communities through the many smaller retailers they have invariably put out of business in their pursuit of dominant positions.

As with anything unchained, the consumer does have choice. Making alternative purchase decisions requires changes in habits and foregoing the apparent "convenience" of supermarkets with their longer opening hours and general accessibility.

Within the inner-West of Brisbane we are quite blessed with some good alternative sources of general groceries.

West End Markets
The West End Markets are set in the shade of the giant figs just a short hop from the Brisbane River. Selling food, fashion and limited amounts of general tat, the markets are a great source of unchained produce - much of it also organic. The website is very informative too - providing a small panel showing produce currently in season.

Jan Power's Famers' Markets
The Farmers' Markets operated by Jan Power have a regular schedule for the Greater Brisbane area. The markets we frequent most are those at the Powerhouse, New Farm on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. The markets are easily accessible by public transport too with the CityCat stopping conveniently at New Farm Park - also a great place to take some of that lovely produce just purchased and share with friends!

Fundamentals
Fundies is a great store in Paddington, billing itself as "one of Australia's leading retailers of natural & organic foods, with 5 stores situated in the Northern Rivers area and Brisbane. At Fundies...we are very selective about what we sell, with strict quality control and commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Of course there are other independent retailers around, those highlighted here are just some of those easily accessible within the Brisbane area and are also that we frequent most often.