The added value of personal advice in a health store

In times of pandemic and lockdowns, we have all started shopping online even more. Because how easy is it, with a few mouse clicks, to get yourself a new pair of pants or telephone that will be on your doormat the next day? Ideal, of course, but there will always be and will always be consumers who attach more value to personal face-to-face contact and advice. This certainly applies to customers of health and health food stores. Good service and personal advice are the reasons to go to such a store. We spent a day at Gentiaan Reformdrogisterij in Den Bosch.

We live in challenging times, in which the magnifying glass is on health and well-being. People are increasingly aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and are taking matters into their own hands. For example in the field of diets, sports and supplements. It is advisable not to reinvent the wheel yourself and to 'just' start taking some vitamins and minerals. Personal advice from your doctor or a health professional can be very beneficial and help you during your mission to a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

Extensive range and high level of knowledge

There are plenty of health stores and organic specialty stores in the country. But how do you distinguish yourself? De Gentiaan is a beautiful and versatile health store located in the Helftheuvel shopping center in Den Bosch. People can go there for expert advice in the field of healthy food, natural (skin) care and nutritional supplements. The Gentian has it all. Store manager Joy explains: “Our strength lies mainly in the extensive range and our high level of knowledge. Customers come here with questions about their health, whether or not in combination with specific questions about certain products. And that is precisely where our added value lies.”

Customer loyalty

One look in the shop and you know: The Gentian 'breathes' health. “People are much more aware these days. They are more concerned with healthy food. And take preventive supplements to maintain their health. Our extensive range and good results ensure that it is in high demand and that people really return to the store for a specific product. That way you get to know each other and really build a bond. That personal contact, that few minutes of genuine attention is a reason for many customers to return here. For a chat and a new purchase. Personal advice in combination with knowledge and experience in the field of natural health ensures that our customers appreciate us so much," says Joy.

“Personal advice combined with knowledge and experience in the field of natural health ensures that our customers value us so much.”

Advice shop

The staff on the shop floor of De Gentiaan also do not act overnight. Employee Claire explains: “Thanks to extensive and fun product training, our level of knowledge has really improved, so that we can give solid advice with confidence and confidence. You automatically grow into the role of 'advice shop'. Not just 'selling jars', but giving good advice based on customer demand and substantiating why a certain product is the best choice for the customer. Good service and personal advice are the reasons to go to the store instead of making your purchase online. Although the latter is of course also fine and very useful. We see that many customers alternate between a visit to the store and a purchase in the web store. In short: working at De Gentiaan means health & happiness to me! Together we form a motivated team where knowledge, service and customer loyalty form the foundation”, Claire concludes with a laugh.