Homeleigh Grove Olives

A well ‘oiled’ online store to keep sales flowing through Covid-19.

Homeleigh Grove is a small, local business with a big heart and a big passion for olives. Located north of Canberra on the ACT/NSW border, Homeleigh Grove boasts about 2,000 trees and produces a wide range of olive products.


Farmers markets were always the primary selling platform for Homeleigh Grove’s products. So, when Covid-19 struck and forced the closure of many local and regional markets, they needed to pivot their business model towards online sales.


Initially, Homeleigh Grove’s website only displayed photos and descriptions of their products with a downloadable order form. I reached out to owners Peter and Caroline O'Clery to help them set up an easy-to-use online store where customers could purchase their products in just a few clicks.

The Solution


The integration of e-commerce capabilities into Homeleigh Grove’s website meant that customers could enjoy a more efficient and straightforward shopping experience. At the same time, Peter and Caroline were able to easily manage their orders and inventory via the system’s user-friendly back-end.


Peter and Caroline had previously been a little sceptical of online sales for their products. But they were very pleased to see an increase in site traffic and a boost in sales thanks to the launch of their new online store.


“Olives are not really a ‘sexy’ online product and other companies in our sector that tried

to sell online have had a short life-cycle. So, it was good to see that our site started to drive

some more business for us… After practically non-existent site traffic and engagement and

very little product to sell in 2020 due to smoke, drought and bushfires … it’s great to be

heading back up!”


— Peter & Caroline O’Clery

As a small business, every sale is crucial. With their online store, Peter and Caroline can continue selling their award-winning olive products to their customers, no matter what uncertainties or lockdown restrictions lie ahead.

They’ve even been able to reconnect with past customers in other states!

“During the Covid-19 lockdown, the opportunity to have an online sales outlet was important and effective. Today, most sales via the website come from past customers who used to see us regularly at the markets or those who have moved to warmer climates.”


— Peter & Caroline O’Clery

But this project wasn’t just about the opportunity to sell online — Peter and Caroline also wanted a more tailored approach to their marketing and a higher level of support from someone who would understand their specific needs as a regional business...

“Before Nick, we were using a large marketing company based in Canberra and felt that the fee-to-attention ratio was on the wrong end of the scale. Nick came highly recommended to us from other local businesses in the Yass area. Nick understands small, regional businesses… He looks after his clients’ needs and is always quick to respond or act whenever you need assistance or advice. Are we pleased we chose Nick? Yes. Has he been good to work with? Yes. Will we continue? YES!”


— Peter & Caroline O’Clery