The Cruelty Free Shop

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.

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

This place has a ton of vegan stuff. The staff are very knowledgeable. Every store should be like this!!!

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

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). :)

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.

Many things in this shop! Makeup, laundry, snacks, clothing apparel, frozen goods, books, DVDs, body products!!!

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.