Le Naturiste back in Quebec hands

The biggest health products retail chain is Quebec-owned once again

MONTREAL, Oct. 2, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Montreal business people Mélanie Kau and Stephen Rosenhek are pleased to announce that they have become equal partners in the Le Naturiste retail chain, purchased from the American giant NBTY (a Carlyle Group company). NBTY purchased Le Naturiste in 2005 and the company moved its warehouse and head office to its current location in Ville St-Laurent.

A flagship Quebec company for over 40 years

Le Naturiste is still a strong brand among health conscious Quebecers, having been the first in the market to offer customers easy access to natural health products.

"Le Naturiste is a chain of 80 natural health stores in Quebec and New Brunswick, and a favourite among its customers for more than 40 years now. Le Naturiste stands out for sourcing and creating products specifically geared to the needs of its clientele, thanks to the expertise it has built up over the years. The tremendous potential behind the brand and its store network as well as an expanding market for natural health products in Canada* and the U.S., convinced us to buy this chain and make it shine even brighter," explained the two entrepreneurs.

Supporting clients in their search for well-being

"We are very familiar with Quebec consumers, who are becoming increasingly aware of the direct link between long term health and vitamin and supplement deficiencies in our North American diet. However, more than 70%** of consumers of these products would like greater transparency and information when it comes to selecting products to support their health. To assist customers in their quest for well-being and provide them with information, we will work closely with our employees and suppliers to create added value at this level at Le Naturiste," explained Mélanie Kau and Stephen Rosenhek. 

Le Naturiste: quality products and a more local focus

The two entrepreneurs have also confirmed their desire to forge greater business relationships with local producers. By finding strategic alliances with Quebec producers, they hope to establish a more local value chain.

About Le Naturiste

Renowned Quebec naturopath Jean-Marc Brunet opened the first Le Naturiste store in August 1968. In the early 1970s, Le Naturiste became a vitamin and supplement chain, with stores in Verdun, Town of Mount Royal, Longueuil and other places. In 2012, Le Naturiste was bought back from US giant NBTY by Quebec entrepreneurs Mélanie Kau and Stephen Rosenhek. Today, the chain operates in two Canadian provinces, with 80 stores and close to 300 employees.

*In 2008, the market for natural health products accounted for $1.191 billion in Canada, a 5.1% increase over 2007. Nearly 50% of sales comprised vitamins and minerals and 31% dietary supplements.
Les produits de santé naturels, des occasions d'affaires à exploiter MDEIE - Government of Québec

** Natural Health Product Tracking Survey, Final Report 2010 - Health Canada / prepared by Ipsos Reid 01/13/2011

SOURCE: Le Naturiste

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