Holland & Barrett

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Holland & Barrett are the largest chain of health food shops in the UK with well over 200 shops in the UK. The company also has Nature's Way stores in Ireland, although some of these shops have been converted to Holland and Barrett. All of their own brand vitamin and mineral supplements are made by the company itself. Although they mainly sell vitamins, minerals and food supplements, they also sell a range of products, such as health bars, smoothies, herbal teas and toiletries.

They are often used by the vegan and vegetarian communities for their range of products, such as the Linda McCartney and Redwoods ranges. Other communities with specific dietary needs, those who are lactose intolerant or gluten intolerant also buy from Holland and Barrett as they have a wide 'free-from' range including soya milk and gluten free bread.

The staff of Holland and Barrett are trained thoroughly. They are sent away on training courses and at the end of which, they are given exams to ensure their knowledge of products. There are four levels of knowledge, trainee (for new employees who are learning the basics), associate (for those who have passed their first exams with the company), product adviser (for those who have passed the second set of far more in depth training) and advanced product advisers (who have reached the third set of exams and training).

NBTY is the parent company of Holland & Barrett. In 2003 Holland and Barrett bought the UK chain of stores, GNC, which they still own.