Wild Oats Natural Foods in Bristol celebrated its 45th anniversary on Friday 11th September, bringing together customers, staff and friends of the business for a special morning at its much-loved store on Lower Redland Road.

Founded by Mike and the late Loes Abrahams in 1981, Wild Oats has remained an independent health food retailer throughout 45 years of significant change in the natural health and wellbeing sector, while continuing to focus on knowledgeable, personal service and its role within the local community.

One particularly special part of the anniversary was welcoming Jay, a customer who has shopped at Wild Oats for more than 40 years. She joined founder Mike Abrahams and current director and store manager Alicia Stephens and surprised the team with a planted tree to mark the milestone.

“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”

Stephens 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.”

For the celebrations, the retailer teamed up with two local independent bakeries, Everest Bread and The Great Cake Company, with customers joining us throughout the morning.

Check out the post-event recap with more photographs here: Celebrating 45 Years of Wild Oats in Bristol.

All Photography, Jon Craig (@JonCraig_Photos).