November 13, 2013 - By Dan Shriner
Review Editor
Spartan Nutrition may be new to the Orion area but the company is anything but a newcomer to the nutrition, vitamin, weight loss and health scene.
The store, at 3755 Baldwin, is across the street from Great Lakes Athletic Club.
The newest Spartan Nutrition store is the 25th in the chain but the first in Michigan and the United States.
The stores are staples for health-conscious persons in Ontario, Canada, and began in 1989 in Windsor.
“This is our first expansion into the U.S. market,” said owner Joe Goncalves.
The expansion into the Orion area came naturally though.
Goncalves’ wife, Elizabeth, is from Clarkston and the couple wanted to move here with their four-year-old twins to live and also to expand their business. The store has been open only a couple of weeks.
“We love this location and we are getting a very good response,” Goncalves said. “It’s a matter of building relationships here.”
One of the ways the company is building relationships is by establishing some with Great Lakes Athletic Club and its members.
“We are nearby and can provide advice and help to its members.
“We believe strongly in supporting local businesses and the community and we give five percent discounts to members of Great Lakes and fitness clubs. Seniors get 10 percent off.
“We want to be a store that appeals to all age groups. Service is very important to us and we want to create a friendly environment.”
The store has sections targeted to women’s and children’s health also.
Spartan Nutrition has a large selection of weight loss and weight management products, as well as vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition, workout and strength products, health foods and other health-related products, including products for vegetarians.
The company also manufactures its own line of what are known as nutraceuticals through its company called iHealth, based in Ontario.
Spartan Nutrition offers natural and clean products for customers.
“We offer great products at competitive prices,” Goncalves said.
Great products are one thing, Goncalves said, but having great staff is just as important. The store manager is Matt Cook and Goncalves said he is very knowledgeable as are other employees.
“Everything has to be a balance with lifestyle, diet and exercise. We have a very experienced staff that can provide guidance and suggestions for customers. We can put together packages for them and information to help. Great service is extremely important.”
For those who wonder if the name Spartan Nutrition has anything to do with Michigan State University, Goncalves said he has been asked that question and the answer is ‘no’.
The name came from his school days when he grew to admire the strength and courage of the ancient Spartans.
For more information about Spartan Nutrition visit www.spartanorion.com
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