Vegan store with several outlets and an online store. Stocks a wide range of products, including faux meat, vegan cheese, snacks, confectionery, drinks, shoes, handbags, jackets, belts, t-shirts and wallets. Relocated Apr 2017 from 385 Brunswick St. Open Mon-Wed 11:00am-6:30pm, Thu-Fri 11:00am-8:00pm, Sat 10:00am-6:00pm, Sun 11:00am-5:00pm.
Reviews (12)
First Review by chocoholicPhilosophe
Contributions +118
Yes, it's expensive but... - Edit
...but it does have a wide range of vegan stuff in the one location which has to be a plus...and they are about to move (12th April 2017) to a new store at 124 Johnston Street, Fitzroy which is supposed to be the world's biggest vegan store !
.
(and our dogs love their vegan dog treats)
Pros: Wide range
Cons: The prices - so high !
Contributions +3187
Where Veganism is a luxury - Edit
The Cruelty Free Shop has a wide range of desirable vegan products where most stock is priced at a premium; the same goods can be found at many other locations at much lower and more affordable prices.
Best time to shop:
On clearance days when items nearing their best before date are on sale.
Pros: Vegan, Location, Wide variety
Cons: Over priced
Contributions +2014
Expensive (and perhaps questionable) - Edit
Pretty much the only thing I buy from here is the cruelty-free razor blades, as anything else I want I can buy cheaper elsewhere in the neighbourhood. They sell 'humane' mouse traps here (which keep mice alive but trapped, with the risk of them dying a slow death if not released quickly) and when I raised this issue I seemed to be dismissed. I hate to dis a vegan enterprise, but I don't find it makes items more accessible. Perhaps the overheads are too high in the central location.
Pros: Wide range of products, Central location
Cons: Expensive , Sell questionable 'humane' mousetraps
Contributions +2126
show me the money - Edit
Good location, terrible prices. Thankfully there are other businesses that want to make ethical eating/living accessible and enticing for the masses.
Contributions +957
Decent selection despite sticker shock - Edit
I stumbled upon this little store. Selection was good for the limited space. They even have Chinese faux meat products for sale. But I'm sure you can find much better deals at Chinese markets. Likewise, some of the other price tags gave me major stick shock. I can only speak to products originated from the US, and all of them cost more than a double here. I guess this store can be great for those who live nearby and need something quick.
Pros: good selection for the tiny space
Cons: pricey
Contributions +263
handy - Edit
A small, bright, and airy shop with a surprisingly diverse range. The selection of vegan cheeses is particularly impressive - from basic pizza melts to artisanal varieties, some of which I'd never even heard of, let alone seen stocked in a store. I also like that they open up boxes of single serve ice-creams like Toffuti Cuties so that you can buy just one to satisfy your cravings. I got choc peanut butter cups and they were awesome! Another product I'd never come across before. I was also happy to see they sell vegan condoms.
Apart from mock items that are also stocked by major supermarkets with big buying power, I found their prices comparable to any other retailer. Service is friendly and laid back. My only quibble is that I came in hoping they would stock some cruelty free make-up in vivid colours, like OCC perhaps. They do stock their own range of mineral make-up but all the colours are drab, "natural" hues...a bug bear of mine when it comes to vegan make-up.
A little update: after a few visits, something that I find a bit unpleasant about shopping here is the sickly sweet smell of the candles they sell. Not appetising at all.
Updated from previous review on 2015-12-17
Contributions +124
Cool Store Filled With Vegan Stuff - Edit
This place has a ton of vegan stuff. The staff are very knowledgeable. Every store should be like this!!!
Contributions +99
Thank you for existing - Edit
All the vegan groceries and fridges. Friendly service and knowledgeable staff. Lovely store both in person and online. Give them your money and get the goodies
Contributions +763
For all your vegan needs - Edit
Welcoming shop where everything is cruelty free! Possibly the biggest range of alternative food, dog food, cosmetics and laundry stock of all the shops in Melbourne. Although some items are more pricey than others, most are reasonable. Given it's location and range, you are bound to find what you need in one trip which is a big drawcard when you may need a particular item for an occasion. You know you will get it (and I reckon you might end up with more than what's on your shopping list). :)
Pros: Biggest range, Friendly , Easy to find what you need
Contributions +102
just awesome! - Edit
I've found the best mascara ever here. Sure it's a bit pricier, but you're supporting a great company. The chocolate truffles are delicious. And owners are lovely.
Contributions +76
Great variety - Edit
Many things in this shop! Makeup, laundry, snacks, clothing apparel, frozen goods, books, DVDs, body products!!!
Cons: Its not cheap but you get what you pay for.
Contributions +599
Not cheap, but an exciting range - Edit
Many of the items available here can be found cheaper elsewhere, but many others cannot be found in any brick-and-mortar shop in Melbourne. It's a small, speciality shop, so the prices are not going to be particularly competitive, but it's worth going in for a browse and treating yourself to something.
They have a huge range of vegan cheeses, including some gourmet ones (Miyoko Schinner's), a big selection of mock meats and ready-meals, handbags and wallets, and cookbooks, among many other things. Also vegan marshmallows. I've never been a huge marshmallow person, but when something is no longer an option for you, suddenly you want it, so I bought some last time I was in. If there's a vegan product that you want that they don't stock, it's worth talking to the staff about it, they might be able to get it in for you.
I'm not in the area often, but when I am, I make sure to go in, and I always buy at least a small something, because I want to ensure that Melbourne's only vegan grocer stays in business.
Pros: Amazing product range - all vegan, Really friendly, helpful staff
Cons: On the expensive side
Link to this page from your site. Entry info .
Return to Fitzroy Vegetarian Restaurants & Health Food Store Listings
Business Owners, if you see an unfair review, read this.
Why was my review removed? - details
Reviews are not endorsed by HappyCow - review terms
Has The Cruelty Free Shop closed, shut down, moved, or changed? Please use the Update Form.
This page has been viewed 1181 times.
Nearby Listings
View MoreSir Charles
Be the first to review
0 reviewsAtomica Cafe
Fina's 2
Saba's Ethiopian Restaurant