Blast from the Past: A Lovely Article By Stacey Pavlov

When you walk through the doors of the Organic Grocer in Newton you’ll be amazed at what you see and learn. Once you’ve visited the store on King George Hwy you won’t want to shop for natural and organic items anywhere else as the selection is vast and the service unmatched. According to store owner Garth Owen: “The Organic Grocer is a full-service natural food and vitamin store. The Organic Grocer provides organic fresh bakery, produce, dairy, meat, and grocery,” explains Owen. “There is a full selection of wheat and dairy free products, as well as other special needs diet products. We also have an extensive line of superior, non allergenic vitamins, herbals, energy and green foods.”

The store has an amazing line of beauty products, personal care items, and more. The quality and huge selection of products and superior service at the store paid off recently when the Organic Grocer received the honour of “Retailer of Excellence” granted annually by the Canadian Health Food Association. “The competition was fierce for this award and included notable retailers like Whole Foods and Nutrition House,” comments Owen. Since opening its doors in 1992 at the old Surrey Public Market, the store has expanded its product line and staff.

Currently Owen has 10 staff members who have all taken or are currently enrolled in a yearlong course for their Canadian Natural Products Advisor certification. Staff also attend monthly seminars on topics that range from homeotoxicology, vitamin therapy, non-allergenic body care, and other workshops. There is a certified sports nutrition advisor on staff as well to help with any questions related to health and fitness. Besides the extensive knowledge staff members provide their customers, the Organic Grocer also offers two naturopathic clinics a month. During these clinics customers can talk briefly to a naturopathic doctor about health related issues. Living naturally is quickly becoming the lifestyle of choice for many people, says Owen. For the past 13 years the number of customers shopping at the Organic Grocer has increased dramatically.

Everyday the store sees close to 200 shoppers come through its doors. “More people have adopted the organic healthy lifestyle because of many factors. Some of our customers are athletes, some are novices trying to live better for themselves and their families, others have serious health problems from environmental and allergic responses.” The Organic Grocer can meet every customer’s natural and organic needs. If someone isn’t sure of a particular product or vitamin staff will take the time to explain the benefits and uses. The Organic Grocer is the first store in Canada, outside Quebec, to attain the Retail Certified Organic Accreditation. “This allows customers the certainty of organic knowledge, food safety and handling protocols,” explains Owen. The Organic Grocer has been voted the best health food store in Surrey by Surrey Now readers for seven years.

Visit the Organic Grocery at 7380 King George Hwy., Newton Village or phone at 604-501-0116.