tips on how to set up this business

With people placing increasing emphasis on health and well-being, demand for natural products in Brazil has expanded in recent years. As shown in the survey prepared by SEBRAE, between 2013 and 2022, 138,795 companies were opened in the natural products sector, representing a business variation of 127.64%. Furthermore, natural product stores have an estimated growth trend of 25%, according to the same survey.

This data demonstrates some interesting factors: the increase in consumer demand for these products and services in addition to a promising investment potential for those who wish to undertake in the area.

With that in mind, in this content we have some tips to help you set up a successful natural products store; check it out below.

See too Curitiba is one of the largest natural products markets in Brazil

How to set up a natural products store – step by step

The niche that encompasses ”natural products” is vast. For this reason, it is important, first of all, to define which products you want to work with: natural food, personal care products, pet products, among others.

To provide a broad example, below we have put together some guidelines that you can apply to create your business. It is worth noting that we are focusing on physical stores.

Step 1. Research and Planning

Carrying out prior research to assess the business’s success conditions is essential to be able to visualize the return on your investment in the future. At this stage, try to develop the following analyses:

• Who will be your target audience? What are your preferences and consumption habits in this market?
• Study the competition: who are the main brands on the market? How can you differentiate yourself from them? How can you learn from them?
• Define your brand positioning by thinking about the values ​​and differences that will make it stand out in the market.

Step 2. Legalization and Infrastructure

Do you already have your ideas on paper? The time has come to resolve the legal and infrastructure issues of your space. See some tips below:

• Register a CNPJ for your company. To avoid mistakes, hire an accountant to help you with these bureaucratic issues.
• Try to update the licenses and other authorizations that prevent your business from operating, such as the operating license and health license, for example.
• Choose a strategic location that is easily accessible to the public, also considering the layout of the location to display your products.

Step 3. Product Selection

Build a differentiator for your store through a variety of products. Check out some tips below:

• Search for trusted suppliers.
• Evaluate products, prices, delivery times and exchange policies.
• Select products considering the demand of your target audience. In the case of natural food stores, consider working with foods for celiac patients and other food allergies.

Passo 4. Visual Merchandising

The way products are organized and arranged in the store influences the desire to purchase them, and consequently, the success of your business. Check out some tips:

• Organize products considering the circulation of customers in the space and highlighting the desired products.
• It is interesting to use shelves, baskets and even displays to display products in an attractive way.

Step 5. Marketing

Publicizing your business and its positioning on the internet is essential for your business to be known. Here are some strategies that can help you with these issues:

• Visual identity that conveys the values ​​of your brand through a striking design.
• Get on board with your business on social media and create a website to promote your store and educate the public about the benefits of the products you offer.
• Seek to create partnerships with influencers, professionals in areas related to health and well-being, such as nutritionists, physical educators, athletes and much more.

With these tips, we seek to summarize what you should pay attention to when planning to start a business with natural products. If it is feasible, look for professionals specialized in the area to help you create a more efficient plan for your company.

Furthermore, continue to develop and keep up with market changes with courses and training that involve the topic of your business. There are some free programs and incentives, and others with more affordable prices, related to training entrepreneurs in different cities. Look for the one closest to you to undertake with more peace of mind and planning!

Where to find suppliers of natural products?

As we mentioned above, to find reliable and quality suppliers, you need to define which natural product niche you want to undertake. But in general, we’ve put together some tips that can help you find suppliers for your store. See below:

• Search Online and in Online Directories about natural products. Analyze the company’s websites and social networks, talk to people who work there and be sure to check the brand’s reputation and credibility, for example, on pages like ”Reclame Aqui”, where you can evaluate service, problems and mainly, the way they resolve the issues raised by consumers.
• Make partnerships with local producers if the product they offer makes sense for your business.
• In the case of stores focused on selling natural foods, consider companies like Tainá Alimentos, which have strict guidelines in the hygiene, handling and production of products to deliver safe products for consumption, in addition to proof of tests certified by the AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Collaboration International) that help to avoid cross-contamination and other harm to consumer food safety.
• Consider companies with a broad portfolio of products that cover the needs of their target audience.
• When selling gluten-free products, pay attention to the label and find out details from your suppliers, such as the ppm number. Following the guidelines of the Codex Alimentarius, a program developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1963, to be considered gluten-free, a food must contain a maximum of 20 ppm ( parts per million) of gluten. But some industries, such as Tainá Alimentos, are able to guarantee that their products present an even lower level, not exceeding 5 ppm.

Now that you have some guidelines for setting up a natural products store where you can find reliable suppliers, take advantage of these tips and put your plan into action by transforming your passion for natural products into a successful business! We are rooting for you!

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