More than ever before consumers, aware and mindful of their health, are actively striving for a healthy lifestyle – and seeking retailers that can enable them. Driven by consumer demand, health and wellness retail has been one of the fastest growing retail sectors of the past few years. More than a fleeting trend, the sector is continuing to grow. The latest wave, the modern apothecary, offering natural remedies and products for everyday maladies and overall wellness, is territory being forged by Canadian retailer Saje Natural Wellness.
Rising Consumer Demand
With the discoveries of modern science and the wealth of information available at our fingertips, it’s obvious that consumers have become obsessed with health and wellness. Whether skepticism of the limits of modern medicine, fear of the viral spread of super-bugs, concern for what really lurks inside our food, fatigue from the ubiquitous big C, or knowing the ravages of stress on our health, consumers are taking pro-active measures. They are taking their health into their own hands – both taking preventative action and seeking remedies to augment treatment offered by modern medicine.
The next wave of wellness retail
In recent years, consumers have strived for cardio health with spinning and running, stretched through yoga, strengthened with kettlebells, consumed organic and non-GMO foods, added supplements and vitamins to their daily regimes, turned to naturopathic and homeopathic cures and sought inner nirvana through meditation and mindfulness practices. And for every pursuit of wellness, there are the respective products and accessories which retailers, from fitness, to books, to fashion, and finally health and wellness have been quick to deliver; even fuelling greater growth through exposure of the latest wellness trends to the masses. However, more than a passing fad, health and wellness trend have effectively transitioned into real lifestyles for many. Consumers’ fixation on health and wellness is not going anywhere. Health and wellness retail is simply evolving and expanding into, as yet, untapped areas, the latest of which is the natural apothecary focusing on the healing power and wellness benefits of essential oils.
Saje – natural wellness simplified for the mass market
Vancouver-based Saje Natural Wellness, currently expanding across Canada, is riding the wave of consumer interest. Opening four stores in the Toronto area late last year, with the latest store opening just before Christmas on Queen St. West, the purveyor of “100% all natural” personal and home care products is bringing natural, essential oil-based remedies to the masses. While other retailers, such as the Body Shop, as well as independent health stores, have merely dabbled in essential oils, what Saje is delivering is a modern apothecary, with a dedicated offering and customer experience that is both accessible and educational for consumers.
Touting the healing powers of plants, adhering to sustainability practices, using only natural ingredients and providing, in their words, “outrageous customer service”, Saje’s unique offering resonates with the wellness-minded consumer. Simplification is front and centre. Stores are sophisticated and calm, featuring natural materials, living walls of greenery and a large sink for quick hand-washes when needed. Merchandise is organized by ailment or wellness concern and supported by subtle yet informative signage and communications that espouse the use and benefits of the products. The friendly, knowledgeable staff are happy to assist customers and answer questions both about the product and the store.
While Saje has been around since the early 90’s, slowly growing their business, the time is now for bringing the offering to the masses. With the right product and right service at the right time, Saje is positioned to not only fill but fuel consumer demand in an as yet un-tapped area of wellness product. With un-waning consumer interest in all things health and wellness, others are sure to follow in the burgeoning wellness retail arena.
