What would make you choose an independent health shop over a big chain?

[FlowerBee2]

I need a little help, I am starting a health shop. I think it's great to be independent and curate, products with no nasties, but just because I think that's a good idea doesn't mean it will work! What would make you choose a local independent store over a big chain?

I was also thinking crystals:) Maybe gifts too, like candles, books, mugs etc? Stuff I can't get in other places

Hi OP. For me it would be having decent products.

Eg. H&B don't sell good quality magnesium glycinate without tons of filler.

I go in H&B for the following:

Sugar free and raisin free museli base
Vitamins
Nuts (though a new shop has opened called 'grape - something) which sells better nuts in bigger bags
Electrolyte tablets
Essential oils for my bath, specifically clary sage and lavender.
Massage oil.
Sls free shampoo that isn't faith in nature (love the smell, but it strips my hands and hair of any moisture)

So great products, yes new and ahead of the game ideally. Also big meno section with lots of knowledge.

Good luck!

I always want to support my local independent businesses in general but what puts me off is how I professional they often are. It's like they think being independent and a local family is enough, so don't worry about attention to detail like cleanliness, reliable opening hours etc

Specifically for a health food shop I'd appreciate talks or events, community gatherings eg a herbal tea morning, maybe if you specialised in something and was a source of local products.
I wish you all the best with it!

I have some friends who own a local health food shop that is pretty successful.

They have:

A million different gluten free/nut free/dairy free etc products that are very difficult to find anywhere else which makes it great for allergy sufferers.

Most of their stock is vegan, everything is veggie and ethically sourced, most of it is also organic.

Regular events/talks/social gatherings.

Knowledgeable staff who actually care.

'Unusual' products like fresh turmeric and vital wheat gluten that are hard to get elsewhere.

Full range of products including plenty of stuff that you can't get from supermarkets or online

Very well stocked, i.e. floor to ceiling "Open all hours" kind of full shop

Helpful, friendly, knowledgeable staff

Long opening hours (not 10-3 Mon to Fri!)

Located somewhere with free and easy parking (or at least cheap & easy)

Full stock range and availability shown online for customers to browse before wasting their time travelling to your shop, even better if you could offer "click and collect" so people can be 100% certain and then just pop in to collect.

Professionalism

You've got to make customers "want" to come and buy stuff from you, and not rely/hope that out of a sense of loyalty/blackmail they'll buy out of a sense of duty to support you.

My local one is brilliant, and has been there for fifty years!