Market launches pickup service

Queen Victoria Market (QVM) has established a pre-order and pickup service to give shoppers access to fresh produce while maintaining social distancing. 

As many businesses adjust to the unique situation amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the market - a CBD institution - is also adapting, allowing market-goers to pick up weekly essentials without leaving their car. 

The system allows shoppers to place an order with their favoured traders (either online, over the phone or by email), agree on a convenient time, then retrieve their goods from the new designated pickup zone on Queen St (opposite D Shed).

At the time of publishing, over 40 stalls had already made themselves available to the pre-order/pickup service.

These traders included:

• Fruit and vegetable;
• Meat, poultry and seafood;
• Deli and bread; and
• Specialty goods.

QVM CEO Stan Liacos said the move was necessary in the difficult business climate.

“The new pre-order and pickup service sees Queen Vic Market traders adapt and come together to ensure Melbourne shoppers continue to have access to the best food in Victoria and everyday essentials,” he said.

While the market itself remains open to customers, Mr Liacos said it was important to provide alternative arrangements for those who could not continue to shop as normal. 

“The Queen Victoria Market has been serving the community since 1878 and we continue to be open and here for Melburnians. Those who can shop safely at the market, directly from stallholders, should continue to do so while adhering to safe social distancing and practicing good hygiene. But the new pre-order and pickup service allows those who are unable to shop in-person to do so from the comfort of their homes and cars and support local, small, family businesses like those at the market,” Mr Liacos said. 

The pickup service is available from 8am-2pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (the market is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays), and from 8am-3pm on weekends. 

Until the end of June, the market and City of Melbourne have combined to offer 100 per cent rent relief for traders. 

The arrangement had initially included 50 per cent relief for non-food related traders and 25 per cent for produce and food-related traders but was quickly upped to reflect the tough economic situation that all small businesses currently face •

For further info and a full list of traders offering a pick-up service, visit: qvm.com.au/pickup