Gourmet Food Stores: The New Health Center

In the past, gourmet food stores were supposed to cater only to the rich and wealthy but not anymore. Today, the trend has reached out to anyone interested in gourmet food. So, gourmet food stores are not just for the wealthy.

In fact, one third of Americans love to shop in gourmet food stores. What is it that attracted more and more Americans to these supposedly expensive gourmet food stores?

These stores are attractive because they offer a lot of healthy food items. In fact, most of those who visit here are health conscious customers, who are increasing by the numbers everyday.

The increase of customers bought these stores generated sales of almost $1 billion in 1990. In 2007, the sales skyrocketed to $30.7 billion.

What do gourmet food stores have to offer? First, they offer a lot of healthy choices. Most of these food stores buy healthy foods with recognizable brand names since these brands are reliable and proven.

The food sold in gourmet food stores is already pre-screened. In these specialty stores, customers won’t have to worry too much about reading the information in the food labels.

Most of the products are already free from trans-fats, hydrogenated fats and artificial ingredients. Meats, vegetables, fruits and dairy products are not tainted with hormones, antibiotics or herbicides.

The workforce in the store also contributes to the health of customers. Generally, staff members can recommend what products to buy or how to prepare food items, depending on the customer’s health needs.

Some stores, such as PCC Natural Markets, even have their own nutritionist or nutrition managers who can help customers with their choices. In PCC Natural Markets, they even offer a free Walk, Talk and Taste Tour every month.

This tour is intended to address an individual’s health questions. The Walk, Talk and Taste Tour is also a good way for the customers to know what exactly do they need for their health before buying the actual products.

A bonus for this effort is that customers will appreciate the extra service. It is not difficult to admire a store that staff is knowledgeable and helpful about the nutritional needs of their customers.

Some gourmet food stores go the extra mile by educating customers on the consumption of healthy foods. For example, a gourmet specialty store named Wild Oats hosts cooking demonstrations, nutrition seminars and children’s health seminars.

PCC Natural Markets, on the other hand, provides a cooking and wellness program. The only deterrent for gourmet food stores is the cost of its products. While 20% of Americans say that they would pay 20% more for healthy food, 67% said that the price is too high.

However, price should not be a factor. Nothing is too expensive when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.