Editor’s Note: We spoke with Kim and Toni to learn more about their recently reopened store in the Lemon Bay Plaza at 1833 Englewood Road. Call 941-474-1833. The sisters along with other family members continue the legacy of their beloved mother, Lee Reid, in providing health products and helpful information. Lee was the inaugural recipient of our Englewood Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. We renamed the award in her honor. Visit ReidsHealthFoods.com.
Please introduce your store and some of the changes you’ve made. We are excited and grateful to be open and busy at our new location in the Lemon Bay Plaza. So grateful for our longtime customers who have encouraged us during the transition. It’s also great to be meeting new customers from the greater Englewood area as well as Venice, North Port, Wellen Park and other locations. We have many familiar supplements and related products, and we are always evaluating new items. We will be opening our new smoothie bar and vegetarian café soon.
What were the challenges you faced during the transition post Ian? Closing down was stressful and we had so many decisions involving time and money.
What are some of the products that remain popular? Products that help with immunity, gut health, sleep issues, and stress continue to be popular. More people than ever are open to using supplements, enzymes, herbs and other products to enhance their health. Similar products bought online don’t always have good quality control so that’s an issue for consumers. We know the ingredients of our products and we do our best to answer questions based on many years of personal experience and customer feedback. We have a large variety of popular supplements, vitamins, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and herbs that can help people of all ages.
What are a few of your favorite supplements? Selenium in methionine form is the top mineral for protecting cells from any virus. Vitamin D3 is especially important for older adults. Vitamin C and Zinc are also important. A good herb to protect our lungs is Andrographis, also known as King of Bitters. My other favorite products include bone broth and collagen, Omega 3, trace minerals, the B family of vitamins, and probiotics. We attend various health expos each year to learn about new products and trends.
What else would you like to share about your store and plans for the future? We are excited to add our new smoothie bar and vegetarian café inside our store. That will be a convenient option for locals wanting to pick up healthy food items for lunch or other times of the day.