Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
We have been in business for 25 years.
What is your primary product or service?
We are a health food store providing best quality supplements and vitamins, natural and organic foods, organic beer and wine, sweetgrass and hemp clothing, fair-trade purses and jewelry, chemical-free and toxin-free house cleaning agents, health and beauty products free of petro-chemicals and parabens, organic baby products, bulk organic herbs, organic grab-n-go meals, organic coffee, stainless steal water bottles, and a wide variety of specialty foods such as Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, etc.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I am the store manager and I have grown up living and learning in the natural world. I am a holistic practioner and advocate of alternative healthy living. My sister is a Naturopathic Doctor at The Integrative Health Group right next store to Better Life, and she has taught and is continuously teaching me and my family of natural alternatives to health, with no side effects, only side benefits. My mother, a Native American herbalist and Nutritionist also works in the store.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Our business is different than most because we carry only the purest and most wholesome products. Our staff here is amazing. Everyone is very knowledgable and cutomers will leave not only with good quality products, but with more knowledge of the products, ingredients, their ailments, and so much more! We always try to give out handouts and emphasize learning and healing on your own! Our primary goal is to serve and educate the community with natural and organic alternatives to health and wellness in everyday life. We are also one of the only businesses in the area going green. All of our to-go forks, spoons, etc. are made of potatoes and are biodegrable. Our coffee cups are biodegradable as well. We use only paper bags and recycled plastic bags. We support fair trade and local, including Amy from Amy's ALL NATURAL SOAPS from Wilbraham. We also are always sampling all natural snacks and Organic Wine!! So stop by and try some! Free lectures are also available weekly. Visit our website for more info www.betterlifewholefoods.com
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have only one location and we do not plan on expanding. But of course we are always getting the newest and best products in the natural foods industry.
Provide detailed directions to your location
From RT 91 South of Springfield:
RT 91 North to Exit 2 (In Massaschusetts),
Take right at second traffic light, RT 83
Go straight for 3.1 miles
Bear right after McDonald's
Arrive at Bicentennial Plaza on right hand side.
From RT 91 North of Springfield:
RT 91 South to Springfield, Take Exit 4 (Main Street)
Take left at light*, (go under RT 91)
Take right onto Longhill Street, in front of Antonios
Go left at light onto Sumner Avenue
Straight for 3.1 miles,
Bear right after McDonald's
Arrive at Bicentennial Plaza on right hand side.
From Chicopee:
Go to end of Roosevelt Avenue (in Springfield) to
Sumner Avenue
Take left onto Sumner Avenue,
Go straight for 1.1 miles,
Bear right after McDonald's
Arrive at Bicentennial Plaza on right hand side.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept cash, personal checks, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Debit, and EBT food stamps.
Which areas do you service?
Most of our customers come from Springfield, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Chicopee, Ludlow, Agawam, West Springfield, Hampden, and some towns in Connecticut.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
The owner of the store is Joseph Bonavita.
What are your hours of operation?
Monday and Friday 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m.