Facing steep competition from local grocers and online competitors, Patti Toups has decided to close her local health food shop, The Health-Nut Hut on Coursey Boulevard, after 19 years in business.
As one of Baton Rouge’s first natural medicine and health food stores, Toups says she has seen healthy eating trends in Baton Rouge change drastically since 1996 when she opened her doors.
“It used to be a very good living, but now the headaches far outweigh the advantages to me at [age] 72,” Toups says.
With the building she leases at 11954 Coursey Blvd. in complete disrepair, and local grocery stores and online shops undercutting her merchandise, Toups says it’s just time to get out of the business.
“It is just getting harder, and I could see the writing on the wall,” she says.
While Toups may be saying good-bye to The Health-Nut Hut for good, Baton Rouge may not be. She says one individual has already expressed interest in purchasing some of the merchandise and fixtures, as well as the name because of its good reputation.
“It will have to be in a different space,” Toups says. “No one is going to want to stay here.”
The final closing date for The Health-Nut Hut is Sunday, April 26. In the meantime, Toups is preparing a retirement sale, liquidating any and all merchandise—everything from supplements, vitamins and food products to the store’s fixtures.
Toups says her approach to retirement is somewhat different. She has extended an exclusive invitation via mail to local customers and friends inviting them to the pre-sale between March 26 and April 1. Customers who arrive with their letter will receive bonus reward dollars to put toward prizes including a TV, a grill, an iPod, a Nutribullet and a panini maker.
“The more that you come in and bring your letter and bring people in, you get more points to put toward prizes,” Toups says.
—Gabrielle Braud
