Shopping Spree: Vancouver's very own Saje to open 50 stores by 2018

Saje opened the doors to their first location in 1992 with the simple goal of helping people feel better with natural products. But today, they’re growing in a big way.

The natural product store – that carries everything from oils, to skin and body care, to now, teas – plans to open up to 15 stores across Canada this year, and over 50 by 2018, which makes this local Vancouver-based family business one to watch.

We chatted with CEO and co-founder Kate Ross LeBlanc to get the inside scoop on Saje.

Your favourite Saje products that you cannot live without?

Shaver Saver! It is the perfect moisturizer for my legs and saves me after every shave as I have really dry skin.

What makes Saje different from other wellness stores?

We are incredibly committed to the promise of 100% natural products to our consumers. We also believe in outrageous customer service and the level of knowledge our team members offer in the stores will match that belief. Our products are also all NPN registered.

Are you a family-owned business?

Saje was co-founded by Kate Ross-LeBlanc and Jean-Pierre LeBlanc, and their daughter, Kiara, whom has now brought her artistic eye to the business in the role of Creative Director.

Where are your key locations in Vancouver?

Key Vancouver locations are West 4th Street, Robson Street, Lonsdale Quay, Park Royal Village, Marine Drive (White Rock), Guildford Centre, Coquitlam Centre. Saje will be opening a location at the newly built Tsawwassen Mills complex in 2016.

Where will your new 12 to 15 stores be located?

Saje has been expanding nationwide. This year, Saje will be opening new retail locations in Ottawa (Rideau Centre), Edmonton (Kingsway Mall), Burnaby (Metropolis), Calgary (Market Mall), Hamilton (Limeridge Mall), Waterloo (Conestoga Mall), Burlington (Mapleview), Toronto (Sherway Gardens and Toronto Eaton Centre), London (Masonville Mall), Winnipeg (St. Vital Centre) and Oshawa (Oshawa Town Centre).

What are your top selling products?

Top selling products include the Peppermint Halo Headache Remedy, the Pocket Pharmacy, and the Saje collection of ultrasonic nebulizers and essential oil diffuser blend collections.

New products that you’ve recently launched?

The newest Saje product launch is collection of remedial teas called RemeTeas. The RemeTea line is 100% natural, organic, GMO free and Fair Trade. There are no artificial flavours or sugars, so you can feel good about drinking tea that supports your best health.

RemeTeas are offered in loose-leaf form, as this ensures that more of the antioxidants and natural oils that are contained within the tea leaves are available in a more concentrated form, aroma and flavour. Flavours include Eater’s Digest, Immune, Energy, Sleep Well and Super Detox.