A major chain of shops selling organic skin care products and natural remedies has launched its first Midlands’ store in Leamington.
Neal’s Yard Remedies has opened on Regent Street and for its owners it marks the end of a three year search for a location to run their own store with the award-winning company.
Husband and wife team Matt Crooks and Wendy Ashworth, originally from Bristol, had scoured the country looking for a suitable base for a franchise.
Neal’s Yard Remedies provides a wide range of organic skin care and natural remedies, made from natural and organic ingredients in the company’s eco-factory in Dorset.
After approval from the firm to run a franchise the couple visited Leamington for the first time two years ago and have now secured their premises through Midland law firm Wright Hassall.
They moved to Leamington full-time last year with their young children Amber, aged seven and five-year-old Jake.
Wendy said: “Our family is based in the south west but that area has quite a few Neal’s Yard shops and so we were really happy when someone suggested Leamington.
“It’s great to finally open the store which has been a major part of our plan to change our lifestyle.
“It’s all been about making life simpler and for instance we used to have two cars but we’ve cut that down to one and hardly use that.”
The couple decided they wanted to work together, using Wendy’s experience as a qualified homeopath while Matt, who worked in direct marketing, was looking for a complete career change.
The store has four purpose designed therapy rooms offering treatments including acupuncture, massage and shiatsu.
Gill Worthington, head of the retail unit at law firm Wright Hassall based in Leamington, helped the couple secure the lease in Regent Street.
She said: “As retail experts we were able to lead Matt and Wendy through this process so that they fully understood the issues at each stage of the negotiation. I'm pleased their launch has been such a success.
“Wright Hassall were also lucky enough to become their first corporate client when Matt visited our offices to demonstrate the range of treatments available and give us all a chance to blend essential oils.
“Quite a number of the staff have now become regular Neal’s Yard customers.”
Matt said: “It’s great going into companies and introducing them to the products and also everyone who visits the shop has been really enthusiastic.
“Our customers always leave with a smile on their face and are grateful for the advice we are able to give them.
“In fact quite a few people, who have bought products to treat ailments such as hay fever and eczema, have come back to the shop just to thank us for our help.”
