Our way of saying “thanks very much”

As we celebrate the opening of the 10th Planet Organic Market store (this one in Toronto), it’s a good time to remind ourselves of the special relationship we have with our customers.

The trend towards organics and natural products — from food and supplements, to health care and cosmetics — has created a global demand for chemical-free, non-genetically engineered, naturally grown goods. People want to eat locally, practice sustainability, and walk without leaving a lasting ecological footprint. Organics has burst from the bondage of being labeled a “niche” to enter, or possibly to become, the mainstream.

Planet Organic Market customers have helped engineer this boom because of a certain savvy in the way they like to shop. Focused on improving their health, taking care of the planet, and feeding their families organic food, they are the real ambassadors for what we do, ensuring those not yet hooked on the benefits get hip to what’s happening — in our bodies and in our environment.

For those with health issues like allergies and celiac disease, Planet Organic Market has been sanctuary, whether it’s gluten-free foods, vegan specialties, or a herbal remedy you’ve only just read about. Planet Organic has stayed on the cutting edge thanks to your desire to do the right thing, locally and globally.

And that comes down to building a trust. Unlike a typical grocery store, shopping at Planet Organic Market can be a supportive and educational experience that helps not only those in tune with sustainability and the green revolution, but for first-time shoppers who may be apprehensive entering the world of organics and the culture around it.

Planet Organic makes going organic easy by offering an inviting and almost intimate setting.

Small is the new big. As the retail world balloons and goes online, the old-fashioned graces of face-to-face service and knowing the manager by name are vanishing.

Planet Organic is sticking to a small store mentality. Small is local. Small is friendly. Small is adaptable, and responsive. Staff still has the time to talk and listen to what the customers are saying. That allows Planet Organic Market to source and stock the products our customers are asking for.

No two customers are the same. Some swear by cleansing, others are vegan, still others avoid processed food. But every one has an individual approach to achieving optimum health. We try to respect that diversity. So our gluten-free products aren’t far from our baked goods and our vegan selections are right there next to grass-fed beef. Our customers seem to appreciate that we aren’t prescribing a single way of life, but are here to help them on whatever path.
We’ve learned so much from our customers and you constantly surprise us (who knew that coconut oil is a top seller? OK, you did know that unhydrogenated coconut oil is a healthy fat… but still!).

And speaking of our top sellers, how about a Planet Organic Market Top 10 list?
In no particular order… you love our:

Cosmic Cookies

Wild Rice and Pecan Salad (feature recipe)

Arame & Edamame Salad

Organic Bananas

Organic Gala Apples

Organic Broccoli

Organic Whole Raw Almonds

Organic Walnuts

Almond Breeze Beverage

Luc Bergeron #3 Dark Maple Syrup

Nutiva Coconut Oil

Wild Rose Herbal D-Tox

Vega Smoothie Infusion

… oops, that’s 13!

Now we want to hear from you.

Share your Top Tens with us, and we’ll publish the Top 10 Tens in our December edition. And thanks for all that love.