Health Concern Shares Natural Remedies, Alternative Foods

On Sunday evening, a sign on the door of warns customers that the store "will close at 5 p.m. today (due to lack of customers).”

Although employees say the store has always closed early on Sundays, owner Steve Wollett says the family-owned business struggles financially. Despite being a landmark in Towson and serving the community for more than 40 years, new competitors have entered the area. Chains like , Whole Foods and now vie for The Health Concern’s customer base.

“They buy in bulk like Sam’s Club, so they get discounts. We could never buy the amount those other stores buy,” says manager Leah Herbkersman. Wholesale discounts translate to customer discounts.

In order to keep prices as low as possible, The Health Concern’s managers must shop for sales and bargain with their distributors, says Herbkersman. They work hard behind the scenes, wheeling and dealing with wholesalers, trying to get the lowest prices on everything from A to Z, in order to offer low prices to customers.

Regardless of price, The Health Concern is relentless about customer service. Store managers are passionate about alternative health, up-to-date on new product lines, raw and organic foods, supplements and the items they sell.

“I can spend 30 to 45 minutes with a customer trying to get to the root of the problem so I can help them,” says Herbkersman, who has been working there since high school.

Loyal customers also help this neighborhood family business stay open. During the day, a steady stream of people stroll in for a bowl of hot soup, coconut oil, or fresh organic produce.

Popular Lines carried: Solaray, Nature’s Way, Kiss My Face, Alba, Aubrey Organics, Traditional Medicines and Culturelle.

Pluses: The Health Concern’s managers really know their stuff. They take their time with customers, ask a lot of questions and are diligent in advising customers correctly.

The free “Info Center” has articles on topics like how to stay young, how to know if you are deficient in fatty acids, and the relationship between amino acids and physical fitness.

I love any store that sells books and The Health Concerns has a small, but specific book inventory. Titles like The New Detox Diet, The Top 10 Lyme Disease Treatments, The Coconut Diet and The Raw Truth line the shelves.

They have more than 400 herbs in bulk in addition to mixes the shop’s herbalist puts together to treat ailments such as asthma, cold and flu, prenatal symptoms, hormonal imbalances and skin conditions.

They also carry more obscure items like egg-white protein powder, dead sea mineral bath salts, coconut oil lotions, honey comb, miso and vegenaise.

Minuses: Prices are high on many items, but the store has weekly sales. Also, according to Herbkersman, they may not carry specific products consistently. Because they shop for sales, managers may switch brands, depending on which wholesaler offers the best price. However, if customers request something specific, they’ll do what they can to carry it.

Costs:

Ezekiel Bread: $6.09.

Jay Robb unflavored egg white protein powder: $44.25 for 24 ounces.

Wollett is committed to keeping his loyal customers educated, informed, and healthy and hopes to for generations to come.

Join us next week as we meet a Marine who is volunteering his time and talent to help other veterans, one yoga pose at a time.