A NEW health store full of organic and vegan products has thrown open its doors in Southampton.
Nestled in Carlton Place, Gaia Health Store has officially welcomed customers after two months of preparations.
It was born out of husband-and-wife duo Andre and Emma Moreira’s passion for sustainability and health.
Andre said: “The shop opening is definitely a positive for Southampton. The weekend [we opened] was very successful and amazing. We were extremely busy. Everyone came here and the shop was packed. I feel like we’re successful already.
“I came to the UK 20 years ago in 2002 as I was trying to find my fortune and I was looking for a better life.
“I had the idea in the back of my head to open a business one day, but this shop is not what I had in mind.
“My past is in the hotel and catering industry, never anything in the health and wellbeing side of things.
“Emma has been working in this industry, so we put both of our passions together.”
Products in the shop range from store cupboard products to refrigerated items and homewares.
There is a selection of whole dried foods including pasta and rice, a range of teas, organic cold drinks and vegan items, such as oat-based cream and creme fraiche.
The store, that opened on February 12, also boasts two refill stations – one for personal care, laundry and cleaning products and another for more whole dried foods including oats, muesli, pasta, chocolate covered nuts and more.
Customers can bring their own bottles and containers, but paper bags are on site for those using to wish the dried foods refill station.
Andre, who is originally from Portugal, added: “We are trying to be natural and ethical – everything is organic.
“I’m still a bit out of my comfort zone with the products but I’m very pleased that I’ve got the shop and my own space where I can pretty much call the shots. The idea is to expand wherever I can. I will probably wait two to three years, and if this is successful, I would like to repeat it somewhere else.
“We’d like to expand to West End, Hedge End and the outskirts of Southampton. My idea is to create a brand.”
To keep up to date with the shop, search Gaia Health Store on Facebook.
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