Growth comes naturally for Hedley’s Health Hut

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This article was published 08/10/2022 (1230 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A duo of natural health entrepreneurs say a new phase in their business will allow them to do an even better job of fulfilling their goal to help people.

Hedley’s Health Hut owners Michelle and Randy Kuz said their customers will be the ones to benefit as they’ve found a new, larger home for their natural health business and its lineup of products that includes supplements, herbs, natural cosmetics, and specialty food.

“We want it to be a welcoming place for people to come, know that they’re valued, and know that it’s a safe place to come and ask questions and just to collaborate,” Randy said.

Hedley’s Health Hut was started by Bob Hedley in 1977, and two years later it moved into Shoppers Mall where it remained for 35 years, even after the Kuzes bought the retail business from Hedley five years ago.

But, the Kuzes said they soon found they needed more room to grow. When customers continued to visit the business, even during the pandemic, they realized they were a “destination” store that could make it out on its own.

They found a new home at 1314 Richmond Ave., the corner of Richmond Avenue and 13th Street, where they helped design a brand-new building to fulfil their dream of creating a “wellness centre.”

The new building expanded the overall space for the business from 1,400 square feet to 3,434 square feet, and doubled the retail space itself from about 1,100 square feet at the mall to 2,200 square feet in the new building. Randy said the extra room improves the customer shopping experience and allows them to expand their product line.

“We have a new gift area, featuring local products and local vendors,” Michelle said.

It was also big enough to give their daughter, naturopathic doctor Brittany Badiou, space to set up her practice in the building. Prairie Naturopathic Clinic offers services that range from nutritional counselling to massage, and acupuncture to botanical medicine.

The Kuzes celebrated the new phase of their business with a grand-opening weekend Sept. 22-24, an event that featured sales, door prizes and a free barbecue. They said they served about 720 customers during those three days.

“We sat down after, and we were like, ‘What just happened?’” Michelle said. “We couldn’t believe the support.”

Among the visitors to the new store was Hedley, who approves of the new location.

“I love it,” Hedley said in an interview this week. “The way it’s laid out, it’s wide open and it’s very customer-friendly.”

Hedley added the Kuzes have carried on the legacy he built as the business’s founder — helping people with their health and preventing disease.

“I’m actually honoured to have them carry on our name, for sure,” he said. “They’ve done a great job.”

» The Brandon Sun