HEALTH and Remedy, a brand-new store in Chard has officially opened its doors this week - replacing what was previously Barron's of Chard.
Cris Wootton, 37, and his husband Jason, 48, who have both been together for the last 14 years and married for two, officially opened their new business located at 2 Holyrood Street, on Saturday, September 13 - after the soft opening took place on Wednesday, September 10.
During the opening, hundreds flocked into the shop from the Chard Street Fayre, voicing their excitement and offering positive feedback to Cris and Jason.
Cris said: "It's been good. Everyone has been so complimentary and said how good it looks and we are really excited.
"Its been madness but I think it's going to be really positive [moving forwards]."
Jason, who grew up in Chard, added: "I think it's gone brilliantly. I've had so many people come in and say how much they love the shop.
"I just love it. People come in and buy stuff and they say 'do you know what? I love your shop' and that's what it's all about."
He added: "I think that Chard just needed that little bit extra. There's a lot of positive things happening in Chard now. If we keep that momentum going, Chard could be a destination location."
READ MORE: Chard: New Health and Remedy store opening in September
Cris confirmed they have 1610 different lines in stock, with the aim being to fill the gap in the market that the closure of Holland and Barrett left behind.
Jason said: "We've tried to give people a little bit of everything. We haven't done anything by halves. We've tried to get the very best products that we love from both shops that we've got at the moment."
Cris also voiced how he wishes to create an experience for their customers where they not only encourage them to opt for more healthy options but to explain why those options are "so important".
Adam Dance MP of South Somerset and Yeovil also attended the opening.
He said: "It's great to see another new business opening up in Chard. It's really important that we focus on our health.
"It's great to see another health shop opening in Chard and that it's a local business."
He added: "Just to remind residents that it's great to shop local and back local businesses because they are the backbone of our society."
The married couple moved to Chard on Friday, July 25, with their 10-year-old adopted child and received the keys to their new business premises on July 27.
Prior to this, Cris and Jason both lived in Nottingham and worked in global health and started moving into health food shops two years ago.
Due to enjoying this process so much, they took over ownership of two shops they opened through their previous company and have now opened their third store in Chard.
With the opening having been a "success", Jason said this is "just the start" with the couple planning to launch their evening talks in the next two weeks - with the first being on menopause and the next on how to brew your own kombucha.
These talks will be hosted by local experts and all those attending will be offered discounted shopping.
Both Cris and Jason have also said that their Christmas products should be available in store soon.
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