Living Nature's Flagship
Outcome
Product information (click to enlarge)
Products (click to enlarge)
Product storage (click to enlarge)
COP Outcome development and evaluation
Living Nature's products do have a limited shelf life – approximately two to three years. The staff is conscious how the stock is handled in terms of light and heat and ensure that optimum standards of quality are maintained. Some items, such as moisturiser, are sold in quantities that ensure the consumer will have used it all before the expiry date. Products which are used in small quantities can be bought in small jars.
There is a high staffing level in the store so that quality one-on-one consultations and in-depth service can be offered. Living Nature sees itself as a more than a business, they rate education as a big part of the service. Suzanne Hall gives advice, via the catalogue and website, on the appropriate lotions and potions to use for varying skin conditions but she also adds suggestions for cheap substitutes for those who may not be able to buy cosmetics. In addition there is a Serious Conditions Educator whose role is to research various conditions clients have questions about.
The emphasis on education about both the products, and associated health and environmental issues is continued with a series of information sheets. These cover topics such as additives in cosmetics, the benefits of honey in healing, research on rosehip oil and skin conditions; for example, eczema.
Presentation evenings are very popular at the store and are held as part of the commitment to education and service. All customers on the database are invited each month to attend a complementary session on issues related to health and well being. Presentations have included aromatherapy, osteopathy, homeopathy, manipulative disciplines and medicinal herbs. Attendees share light, healthy refreshments and have a chance to chat, question and try out products before leaving with a little Living Nature gift.
The staff have various backgrounds with a diverse range of experience and all share an enthusiasm for working with people. Pepsi Demacque-Crockett was a backing singer to an international artist and had her own rock group. She came to New Zealand from England with her husband for a complete lifestyle change. Kate Bowie trained as a beauty therapist and is very interested in aromatherapy. Katie Jensen has come directly from the Kerikeri shop, part-timer Linda George has a journalism background,and the casual staff are all tertiary students.
