Lotions and Soaps

Products to Soothe (From page 173) free products and the overall eco-conscious sensibility. Manager Sean Brewer explained that Moon Valley’s packaging is largely crafted from post-consumer recycled paper, and shampoo and lotion are available in bar format, eliminating the need for bottles. “People are leaning toward plastic free, and it’s something we promote as a more sustainable way to care for our body,” Brewer said. “We also try to grow as many of our herbal ingredients as possible.”

Medicinal plants like nettle, comfrey and calendula have healing properties and smell good. Brewer said lavender is the most popular scent, and that customers generally favor floral fragrances.

Sampling, a long time standby of personal care retail, is more complicated during a pandemic. Brewer has chopped up soap into sample size pieces for customers who don’t want to touch something others have handled, though he adds that people are generally less hesitant now. “It’s been little bit of a learning curve,” Brewer reflected. Business remains strong at the 100-square-foot outlet at Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market, aided by a big window display and ample foot traffic.

Americans have spent more time at home during the pandemic, and that tendency is reflected in strong sales of