Gone are the days of going to one store for vitamins, another for new hiking shoes and yet another for a memory foam pillow. With the health care debate raging on and the average life expectancy climbing steadily, having the right products to stay healthy is on the minds of millions. Finding those products was difficult and time-consuming. Michael Feuer recognized the shortcomings of the wellness industry and knew he could do something about it. Feuer decided to fill a void felt by consumers and created Max-Wellness LLC.
The retail chain offers more than 7,000 health and wellness products for today’s health-conscious consumer. The chain services everyone from the baby boomer generation who are caring for themselves and aging family members, to 20-somethings who want to prevent health issues later in life. Instead of a retailer-centric experience, he made the customer the first priority. Feuer, co-founder and CEO, used what he learned from launching OfficeMax 22 years ago. The office supplies chain, which Feuer sold for $1.5 billion in 2003, allowed him to polish his business idea of giving customers what they need all under one roof. What he once did with pencil sharpeners and corrective fluid, Feuer intended to do with Vitamin C tablets and handrails. One of the important lessons he learned from leading OfficeMax was to take advantage of low-hanging fruit. To him, a wellness chain seemed like the obvious solution for Americans who were confused about health and wellness.
Max-Wellness offers everything from anti-aging serums to massage chairs, so doctors no longer have to send their patients all over town. Trained staff and computerized information systems are also available to help customers with their specific health questions. The company is also exploring a variety of soft services like in-store clinics, a mail-order pharmacy and spa packages.
Feuer hopes to take the guesswork out of staying well. The first four locations opened in Ohio and Florida this year. By 2013, Feuer and his team plan to open at least 30 stores around the United States.
How to reach: Max-Wellness LLC, (216) 765-2500 or www.max-wellness.com
