Holland & Barrett expands in Edinburgh

By DOMINIC JEFF
Published on 22/02/2013 00:00

Holland & Barrett yesterday launched its first “consultation area” for customers at a new outlet in Edinburgh’s Princes Street.

The health foods and vitamins retailer has spent £13 million on a staff training system in recent years, developing officially accredited qualifications in health and nutrition. The top award is the equivalent of a Scottish Advanced Higher and the group aims to have a staff member trained to that level on duty at all time in each of its 760 UK stores.

Chief executive Peter Aldis said he wants to advertise his highly trained employees in order to attract new customers. “It’s our clear unique selling point and we need to make much more of it,” he said.

Holland & Barrett is to open 24 stores this year, including one in Glasgow’s Buchanan Galleries, and will roll out seated consultation areas as its estate is refurbished.