Natural Grocers

I moved to Tyler a week ago. And after doing lots of research online for healthy options to grocery shopping, I was pleasantly surprised to learn this place had just opened a few months prior, in March, 2015. A few days after I’d moved in, my apartment cabinets and oven were still not cleaned, so I was resorting to eating out for 2.5 days, ugh. I rolled into NG to pick up some fruits and veggies, as I was desperate for something healthy to munch on and ate a whole container of blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, LoL. But also on this early Sunday morning, as I was out at 6am to hike with my pup, I was even more elated they were open so early on a Sunday, at 8am, and with my early arrival, found the fruit and veggie deals of the day (the discounted $ 2 mixed bags of said items that are about to go belly-​up, SOOO miss those finds I used to enjoy when living in Colorado). The workers were pleasant, saying good morning, offering assistance, and offered to show me alternatives to items I was unable to find.
But TODAY!!! Holy Cow! I came in, now that my kitchen is finally ready to be used, to put the items I couldn’t find at the Farmer’s Market into cupboards. I first ran into Josh, and from what a co-​worker says of him, is so spot-​on: knows so much detail of nearly every food item in the store, taking me to the far corners of the store to find the specialty mayo I would be needing and why, looking up the brand of Falafel Chips I’d bought in the Austin Store and couldn’t find at this one. No problem, I’ll order them for you. WHAT? that easy? Yes ma’am. There is no sign in the store showing where to find peanut butter, and I was not the only one asking Josh WHERE that was. He goes into detail as to the varieties and the ones the store actually makes every few days that are available in another section of the store. He is a definite benefit to this establishment, as I’d come to rely when I’d lived in Colorado, the ones at NG are very knowledgeable, friendly and courteous.
And I’m saving the best for last…
I had my items checked out by cashier, Jon. He seemed very friendly, asking if I’d some gizmo or another, something that would earn me points and offer savings as I’d shopped. And I’m all about saving money where I can, so he says he’ll give me the website to sign up and going forward yada, yada… We’re having a great convo, he’s very amiable, we say goodbye and later in the day I noticed I somehow have a receipt showing about $ 300 more than for what I’d bought. Oops. Pretty certain I’d known what happened, I’d only hoped Jon would still be working as this would take a lot to undo and rectify. Sure enough, he sees me walk in and immediately greets me, as I learn he’s VERY well appreciated by many shoppers, recognizing so many as they come in and greeting them, some by name. He apologizes profusely, and gets going to do what ended up taking over an hour. He offers for me to have a seat in their classes room, and just as Josh walks up, Josh gets me involved in the variety of classes they DO offer, which is splendid to learn. Brandon, the manager, not as enthusiastic, sadly doesn’t do anything to assist Jon, and I feel there could have been a less laborious way to fix the issue, is about to have Jon work 2 hours on the project instead of the 1 it took when Jon asked for something specific that would speed up the process. Because Jon is so loved by shoppers, he is still smiling, greeting, and saying he will be able to help them the next time they are in, but right now he has this which will take him a while and doesn’t want to have them wait. Meantime I remember there were 2 items that I still needed to pick up. When I bring them up, after a bit, when the other cashier is open with no other shoppers needing to be checked out, I mention if I could have her do these for me so that I don’t interfere with what Jon is doing. No comment, I’m wondering if she has heard me and I mention, oh, maybe you aren’t aware of what is going on. «oh, I know»…what? It wasn’t just that she said it, it was the WAY and the lack of enthusiasm to be working today. I thought that was rude. I finish paying and as I’ve learned with so many in Tyler, ppl are very considerate, friendly, courteous. I think Tyler hasn’t rubbed off on her yet. Jon is finishing up, and with profound apologies, and double and triple checking all is well, calls over Brandon that all is settled. Jon says over and over that he hopes that this particular incident doesn’t keep me from continuing to shop at NG. Are you KIDDING!!! It’s not the mistakes that are made, it is how you make ones feel when it’s recognized a mistake has been made that makes the difference. And Jon and Josh are 2 of the reasons I’m giving this NG location 5 stars.

This store is LONG overdue for Tyler and Longview! My mother lives in Longview and when I’m in town we commute to Tyler just for this store!
Great selections and as someone else mentioned they aren’t ridiculously priced. Eating organic and healthy is so doable when you have places like these. I even saw they offer classes in the front of the store. How cool is that!
I’m not sure how the other person said there is nothing natural about this place. Everything in this store is natural.
I mean unless one is out to plant a garden in the back woods. Even than, I’m sure their organic soil would assist in that.

Lots of organic canned veggies in this store. $ 4 bottles of water. Lots of packaged food. You can find some cool things in here, but I wasn’t dazzled.