16 September 2026
An independent health and wellbeing store is marking a milestone anniversary this month, celebrating 45 years of trading.
Wild Oats, based on Lower Redland Road, offers natural food, supplements, natural beauty products and expert nutritional advice, alongside a popular in-store deli, locally roasted coffee and fresh seasonal smoothies.
The store marked the occasion with a birthday event, drawing a busy morning of customers old and new. A bakery stall was set up outside featuring vegan bakes from Everest Bread and gluten-free treats from The Great Cake Company, with the first 45 customers spending £10 at the stall treated to a free anniversary tote bag and coffee.
Among the highlights was a moment bringing together founder Mike Abrahams, Wild Oats Director and Store Manager Alicia Stephens, and Jay, a customer who has shopped with the store for more than four decades. Jay marked the occasion by gifting Wild Oats a planted tree.
Alicia Stephens, Wild Oats Director and Store Manager, said: "This is a huge achievement, and it's all down to the loyalty of customers like Jay who have been with us since the very beginning. Seeing Mike back in the shop, surrounded by the community we've built together, was a really special moment for all of us."
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "This is a fantastic milestone for any independent business, and Wild Oats' story is a brilliant example of what makes the high street special. It's testament to the loyalty they've built with customers over four decades, and we're delighted to celebrate this achievement with them.
"I remember visiting the store a few years ago and was impressed by the passion of the owners and the employees. It is not surprise that this business has stood the test of time”
Your stories matter the most...
We take great pride in sharing successes, developments and updates from our members.
Read our member stories here.
Image credit: @JonCraig_Photos
Latest News
-
New health food shop crowned high street shop of the year
A health food shop barely a year old has beaten a record field of nominations to be named high street shop of the year.
-
E-Bike Positive scheme scoops major national industry award for cycling advocacy
An e-bike safety and positivity advocacy campaign, run in part by Bira Group partners The Association of Cycle Traders (ACT), has won a major industry award for advocacy.
-
Critical website security flaw - all retailers urged to act now
Bira is urging businesses of all sizes to check their websites are protected, following a warning about a critical security flaw affecting PHP.
-
Cost crisis looms for independent retailers ahead of Budget
Independent retailers face a looming cost crisis unless the Chancellor acts in the Budget, Bira has warned.