ASK MR. VITAMIN

ARE HEALTH FOOD STORES STILL RELEVANT?

Q. I can’t help but notice you are very pro…health food store. I can usually find the same products cheaper at ______Mart. Why are you directing people to stores that are more expensive?
Loraine P.
 
A. What you say is very true. The purpose and direction of natural food stores has changed dramatically over the last decade. Many of the niche products and brands that have been introduced and championed by the neighborhood health food store can now be found on the shelves of your local “big box” store for cheaper prices.

What the big box store has not yet figured out how to do effectively and cheaply is provide you with information and personalized service. Many of the nutritional supplement products deal with very touchy and intimate medical issues. Your big box aisle clerk just isn't trained to answer or deal with these questions. As a matter of fact most of these store clerks are told to avoid these questions and direct the customer to the in-store pharmacy. Local health food stores have had to morph into relevant sources of reliable and accurate information. Over the years our chain of health food stores received numerous customers who were sent to us by the pharmacist. In many cases even the pharmacist couldn't answer the questions or provide the product.

The purpose and direction of health food stores continues to evolve and change as time and consumer demands dictate change. As long as they truly listen and respond to their customer’s needs and desires, health food stores will stay relevant…and receive my recommendation.

AMV

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.