Shopping for health

In the last eight years, Healthy Options, Inc. has become a byword among health buffs. The secret of its success is not just in the products it sells but in the people who sell them.

The customer assistants and store supervisors in all of Healthy Options’ eight outlets have medical-related background in either nursing, physical therapy, nutrition or pharmacy.

"We value customer relationships. The words most frequently used to describe our customer assistants are ‘knowledgeable’, ‘friendly’, and ‘helpful’," said managing director Romeo Sia.

Healthy Options is a Filipino chain of one-stop shops that sells food supplements like vitamins and health-enhancing products like ginseng and herb extracts as well as food products such as baby food and cereals that are made with the health-conscious in mind. It also carries personal care products, which are all natural and have no chemical contents.

Food supplements, however, account for the bulk of the company’s total sales.

"Our training is constant. If you want to be promoted, you have to pass the periodic exams," said Sia. To date, Healthy Options has sent five managers to the United States for further training on the various products carried by the company.

Symbiotic

The company carries US brands like Solgar as well as products packaged by health product manufacturers which conform to the stringent standards set by the US Food and Drug Administration. "We can guarantee that what is printed on the label is contained in the product," said Sia.

Because its market is largely A-B, particularly the baby boomers who know what they want, Healthy Options has been able to nurture a one-on-one relationship with many of its customers.

"It’s a dynamic relationship. Our women customers, for example, go through phases that run from pregnancy to childbirth, from raising their babies to reaching menopause. We get a lot of feedback. Many come back and tell us of the good effects of our products on them and that makes us happy," said Sia.

In some instances, customers have suggested products which have been recommended by doctors and which have worked for them. One example is the co-enzyme Q10 or CoQ10, which is a food supplement that is good for the heart and also gives energy.

"We are not doctors nor do we promise to have the cure for illnesses. We just suggest products that customers may need for their condition. If you are fit, then you can do a lot of things–you can work and have fun– and not be hampered by illness," said Sia.

With two more outlets to be opened this year – one in Pampanga next month and the other in SM Bicutan in November – Healthy Options’ dream of a more health conscious society have turned in a healthy bottom line.