Whole Foods plans in-store spa at Ink Block site
For supermarket honchos who think it doesn’t get any better than in-store banking, Whole Foods is about to eat your lunch.
The health-conscious grocery chain will unveil its first-ever spa inside its new 50,000-square-foot flagship market opening in the South End’s Ink Block on the former site of the Boston Herald in the new year.
“It’s more about getting both done at the same time, versus a day at the spa,” said regional president for Whole Foods, Laura Derba.
“We are always looking for something that is innovative, exciting and fun and our customers and consumers today really want convenience. Other grocery stores have banks in them, so it’s really about convenience,” she said.
The spa is a collaboration with Milk + Honey, an Austin-based spa and salon chain, which will operate the site. The Milk + Honey product line will be sold at Whole Foods starting early next month.
“I think that a spa is not a luxury, it should be part of everyone’s regular habits, like grocery shopping ... it will be more convenient and accessible to people now,” said Alissa Bayer, co-owner of Milk + Honey with her husband, Shon.
Whole Foods “approached us, we weren’t really looking for opportunities outside of Austin but Whole Foods’ values and our values are so aligned that it was such an easy decision to say yes to them,” added Bayer.
Newton-based National Development’s Ink Block complex also includes three apartment buildings that are pre-leasing. Boston Herald Publisher Patrick J. Purcell, who sold the site to National Development, is a minority investor.
The spa is slated to open with the new store in January. It will offer facials, waxing, pedicures, manicures, hot shave services and shoe shines.
