Jarrolds presents its first Wellness Week

Luke Osborne, Head of Retail Experience at Jarrolds in Norwich, is the brains behind the department store’s first Wellness Week, starting on Monday. Here, Luke explains the thinking behind the new initiative

What does your role as Head of Retail Experience at Jarrolds entail?

My role is to ensure that our customers have the best experience when they visit Jarrolds. Whether they are discovering us for the first time or a regular visitor, everyone should feel welcome, valued and engaged with all the incredible things happening in our stores.

What is the thinking behind the first Wellness Week at Jarrolds? And why is January the perfect month to host it?

Jarrolds presents its first Wellness Week with the resolution of looking to learn, discover or simply just try something new. It is time set aside, for you and any utterances of ‘I’ve always wanted to try that.’ We all want to start our year the right way, whether that’s taking up yoga or learning to paint.

How will it complement the new developments at The Retreat, such as the arrival of Louise Thomas Skin Care to the beauty rooms?

The Retreat is the perfect place to relax and invest in some time for yourself. The Retreat team are amazing at what they do and offer a range of treatments that will help start your 2025 the right way. We also have a very special addition to our Spa. Louise Thomas Skin Care have joined the Jarrolds team at The Retreat to offer an unrivalled experience when you visit. Founded in 2007 by renowned celebrity skin therapist Louise Thomas-Minns, this results-driven, personalised facial treatment approach has transformed thousands of faces. Combining over 40 years of expertise, Louise and her co-director Mary achieve optimal skin health through tailored treatments.

What sort of events can customers expect during the week?

There is so much going on in store during Wellness Week. To celebrate the release of their latest book, The Confidence Workbook, The School of Life invites you to an engaging evening of reflection, conversation, and connection.

Join Abby Hoffmann, one of Norwich’s best-loved yoga experts and founder of the brand-new wellness space Yantra Studio, for an hour-long yoga class.

Enjoy a paint along masterclass led by Director of The Art Academy, Claire Frances Smith, where you will be guided step by step as Claire demonstrates water-based oils from Winsor & Newton’s Artisan range – suitable for complete beginners and experienced artists.

Also, join us on Saturday 25 January, for an inspiring social gathering where creativity meets mindfulness. This special evening is hosted by Seed Sisterhood, a vibrant local community dedicated to empowering women through shared experiences, holistic practices, and creative expression. For all these events, visit our website for tickets.

On a personal note, what sort of self-care do you swear by?

I took up running last year after I realised how unfit I was. It was horribly hard to start with but got easier after a couple of weeks. Yes, I got fitter and lost some weight but the difference it makes to your positivity and mood is amazing.