Working as a supplement sales promoter and merchandiser in various stores in Cape Town during my postgraduate student years (2010-2014), I have grabbed the opportunity to learn about different brands, connect with customers, and learn about the retail industry. Each store has its own unique culture, products, and customer base, which has allowed me to gain diverse experiences and insights. In this series of articles, I will be sharing my experiences working as a promoter in different stores, including Dischem, Clicks, PnP, Wellness Warehouse, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and independent pharmacies. In this first installment, I will be focusing on my experiences working at Wellness Warehouse.
Working at the Wellness Warehouse: A Journey of Learning and Growth
I was a full-time promoter at Dischem Claremont, working every single day in the afternoons and weekends after university hours, when the opportunity to do some shifts at Wellness Warehouse in Cape Town came in 2011.
It was quite a travel from Southern Suburbs via public transport but I realized that I left paradise of Mauritius and the good life for a new start in Cape Town, to be the best in the industry. Laziness wasn’t in my vocabulary and never will.
So, after working out the taxi fare and the path to walk, how much money I would be “losing” by declining shifts tutoring at the university, and how not to get wet in the Cape Town winter rain, I accepted the afternoon shifts from my rep.
Wellness Warehouse Kloof
Working at Wellness Warehouse was an experience that changed my life.
As a promoter at their Kloof Street branch, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the brand’s commitment to promoting healthy living. The store was a great place to work, as well as a place where I could learn, grow, and connect with others who shared my passion for supplements.
One of the things that made Wellness Warehouse special was its dedication to providing customers with access to high-quality, natural, and organic products. They believe that people should have access to products that are not only healthy but also ethically produced and environmentally sustainable. I loved the concept.
I was in paradise and the excitement to see so many brands made me forget my sore feet from standing long hours in the shop and the calluses building under them.
During less busy times I would walk around the shop, pick up the products from other brands and note down their formulas. As I didn’t have a camera phone at that time, I would write down the formulas in my notebook. The staff had a hard time believing I was “only” a promoter and thought I was some undercover dude from the Wellness Warehouse head office because of the way I was noting down things (like a madman) and my interest in almost everything in the store. Even though I was a promoter, I felt respected for my knowledge and was able to learn a lot from my colleagues.
I learned about brands like Reflex Nutrition, Osmo Nutrition, Metagenics, etc. I got to use their product samples and made further notes in my notebook, which I sent to my company although they didn’t seem to take note as their R&D team never contacted me, which defeated the purpose of giving me a feedback form to fill.
I also noted packaging trends across a wide range of products: labelling trends, product naming conventions, packaging material evolution (sustainable packaging).
The Wellness Warehouse Kloof Street Branch
Pasteur Abraham, the wellness manager.
I made friends with Abraham, the wellness manager at the Kloof branch. He was a DRC native and a particularly inspiring guy. He was passionate about wellness and his religion was always willing to share his knowledge. Abraham was also approachable and supportive, and he encouraged me to pursue my interests and passions. I explained what I was there for and his support grew even more.
Reflex Nutrition, one of the brands that were selling at Wellness Warehouse. Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Reflex Nutrition.
My favourite snack roasted Sunflower seeds
I remember that the only thing I could afford from the store (as all my money was invested in university) was my favourite snack: roasted sunflower seeds. It was selling for about R7 at that time. I loved it. I still buy this whenever I drive past a Wellness Warehouse. 
Summary of key lessons of what Wellness Warehouse did:
- Satisfy the growing demand for Natural and Organic products.
- Focus on Health and Wellness with a deep range of products.
- Personalised Nutrition: offered supplements and a wide range of food products that cater to specific demographic groups or address specific health concerns (e.g. Gluten-free, vegan, etc.). Staff and on-site provided excellent advice and attention to customers.
- Sustainability and Social Responsibility: satisfied the need of consumers seeking supplements that align with their values, such as eco-friendly packaging, fair trade ingredients, and support for social causes.
- Educating their consumer base: Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable and proactive in their health decisions. Offering educational resources, such as blogs, articles, and seminars, can empower customers and establish your brand as a trusted source of information.
Bodylogix. A protein supplement that comes in pulp paper packaging that was carried by Wellness Warehouse, showing their commitment to sustainable packaging. Disclaimer: no affiliation to the brand.
In addition to my work at the store, I was also studying for an MSc at the University of Cape Town. Balancing work and education was not always easy, but I was determined to succeed. I knew that the knowledge and skills I gained from my studies would help me to be a better promoter and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Working at the Wellness Warehouse was a journey of learning and growth. It taught me the importance of wellness and how to promote it in a meaningful way. The store’s commitment to providing high-quality products and promoting ethical and sustainable practices made me proud to be a part of their team. Despite the challenges and sacrifices, I knew that I had the opportunity to learn from my experiences and grow as a person. Working at the Wellness Warehouse was not just a job, it was a journey of learning and growth that I will always cherish. I hope to see my products there one day.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Wellness Warehouse and have not been remunerated to write this article. The information provided is based on my personal experiences in the store. The views and opinions expressed in the blog post are mine and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Wellness Warehouse
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