Holland & Barrett trains 600 women’s health coaches to give in-store support

Holland & Barrett women’s health coach Jayda St Louis speaks to a customer, Anoja Kirubalarajah, at the chain’s Marble Arch store, in central London. Photograph: Kieran Cleeves/PA

It used to be known mainly as a destination for dried fruit and vitamin tablets but now women can get advice on period pain, mood swings and sleep while shopping in Holland & Barrett.

The retailer has trained 600 staff to act as women’s health coaches after its research revealed demand for broader support on hormonal and menstrual issues, with menopause the “tip of the iceberg”.