Holland & Barrett

Holland & Barrett are the largest chain of health food shops in the UK with just under 1000 stores in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands where they trade as [http://www.detuinen.nl De Tuinen] . They are based in Nuneaton.

Brands

They can be found in almost every major city and town. The company also has nineteen [http://www.naturesway.ie Nature's Way] stores in Ireland, although some of these shops have been converted to Holland and Barrett but still trade under the existing Nature's Way brand.

All of their own brand vitamin and mineral supplements are made by the company itself. Although they mainly sell vitamins, minerals and food supplements, they also sell a range of products, such as health bars, smoothies, herbal teas and toiletries. They also produce their own best selling magazine called "Healthy".

History

In October 2006 Holland & Barrett opened their 500th shop in Eldon Square, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. This shop was opened by Gillian McKeith.

NBTY is the parent company of Holland & Barrett. NBTY own Vitamin World in the USA. In 2003 Holland and Barrett bought the UK chain of stores, GNC, which they still own.

Dietary needs

They are often used by the vegan and vegetarian communities for their range of products, such as the Linda McCartney and Redwood ranges. However in recent monthswhen, the company has made a switch to gelatine capsules for its herbal supplements, much to the upset of its vegetarian and vegan customers [ [http://www.petitiononline.com/hbvegcap Petition against the introduction of gelatine capsules] ] . Other communities with specific dietary needs, those who are lactose intolerant or gluten intolerant also buy from Holland and Barrett as they have a wide 'free-from' range including soya milk and gluten free bread.

External links

* [http://www.hollandandbarrett.com Official Website]
* [http://www.ciao.co.uk/Reviews/Holland_Barrett_Shop__5112091 Reviews of the company]