On 23rd April 2015 Holland & Barrett took a huge step forward in the Free From World by introducing Store Number 1 in the Holland & Barrett Free From master plan. Based in Chester, this is looking to be the first of many Holland & Barrett stores that focus almost entirely on Free From Foods. Fancy a guided tour? Check out my video below from the opening day!
The new Holland & Barrett More is a huge store compared to any previous Holland & Barrett I have been in. It is easy to get around as there are large signs everywhere showing you what section you are in (that is how big this store is compared to any of their former stores!) For those who have to be careful about what they eat like those with the autoimmune condition, Coeliac Disease or the bowel condition Crohn’s Diease, this is a massive step forward. It is also great news for all of those folk with food intolerances and allergies… Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Dairy Free, Lactose Free, Egg Free, Soya Free, Nut Free & so much more are all covered in the new Holland & Barrett Free From Store. Of course, it is also perfect for those who might like to choose to live a gluten free lifestyle through choice, the store has so much information available & such a variety of products for all.
So, what does the new Holland & Barrett More Store offer?!
Food & Drink
- Firstly there are endless new products from so many different brands. (in the new store & online they currently have over 1000 free from products but this is due to rise to 3000 by the summer & even more than that in the future!)
- There is an in-store Juice Bar, Zenerjii.
- There is a snack station run by VBites where gluten free cake & gluten free wraps are available, amongst other things!
- You can purchase fresh fruit & vegetables within the store.
- There are chilled counters stacked full of free from options, with plenty of gluten free & dairy free cheeses and desserts.
- There are freezers full of free from frozen products, both savoury & sweet. The selection of dairy free ice creams has increased dramatically from previous stores.
- There is of course still a huge range of pick & mix nuts and dried fruits in classic Holland & Barrett style!
Skincare & Beauty
- There is a nail bar where you can have manicures & your nails painted with natural nail polishes.
- There is a huge amount of skin care products from the likes of brands such as Dr Organic who promote natural, organic products. For those with skin irritations there is a huge amount of different brands & products available.
- There is a bath bomb station, where you can create your own bath bombs & scrubs by Beauty Kitchen. For me, a long term eczema sufferer this blew my mind as everything is natural. I’ve never been able to have a bubble bath before now!
- Lots of natural makeup brands are in the new store as well… I struggle with many high street brands for make up so having natural make up products available is something that really excites me.
Other sections
- There is a pet section! If you want to spend a little extra on your dog, feeding them natural & even free from products then the Holland & Barrett Pet section in the new store is great! Having a beautiful dog myself I know how important it is to keep them in good health!
- There is the usual section for the gym goers filled with protein powders, tablets & other fitness related products.
- & of course what Holland & Barrett is known for (in my past mind).. a huge amount of Vitamins & Minerals to help all types of people in all situations. From digestive health to bone strengthening… there is everything you would expect right in front of you.
Oh & one other thing, not only are the staff in store incredibly helpful and well informed. Holland & Barrett have brought in a nutritionist that you are able to book appointments with. This really does place Holland & Barrett on another level. I have found accessing nutritionists to the very tricky in the past, so to have one in store is a great idea.
The new Holland & Barrett Free From Store in Chester is a great move in the right direction for Free From. The Free From Market has seen a massive surge in growth over the past 5 years and this has been predicted to continue at an even more rapid pace moving towards 2020. Holland & Barrett are already planning a large amount of new stores across the entire country over the coming year to push forward the Free From Concept. I am sure this will encourage other stores to follow in the footsteps of Holland & Barrett.
We had a really great day out in Chester having a nose around the new store & I can’t wait to go back. Fortunately, although I only live 45 minutes from the new store, when I can’t get there the Holland & Barrett Free From website has now been updated to offer even more free from goodies! Oh & watch out in your local Holland & Barrett stores for increases in choice of Free From products.
If you get the chance I would highly recommend a trip to Chester to check it out… & because I discovered Chester is an amazing city for gluten free & wheat free too!
What are your views on Holland & Barrett’s new free from move? Let me know by commenting below or on Facebook/Twitter. Also please keep sending over your Free From Stories, Click here for a Link to ‘My Gluten Free Journey’.
Thanks for reading,
Becky xxx
