Timonium health food store and juice bar The Natural Market has reached its natural end after 38 years in business.
Owner Steve Schwarz announced Sunday on Facebook that he “has made the difficult decision to close the store and begin a new chapter.”
“This was not an easy choice, as The Natural has been more than just a business—it has been a place of connection, wellness, and shared values for generations of customers,” Schwarz wrote.
“We are deeply grateful for your loyalty, trust, and support over nearly four decades,” he added. “Many of you have been with us since the beginning, and it has truly been an honor to be part of your health and wellness journey.”
Schwarz first opened The Natural Market in 1987 on Cranbrook Road. The business moved in 2003 to the Timonium Square shopping center, and in 2017 moved again to its current location at 65 W. Timonium Road.
The Natural Market sells items like incense, essential oils, bath and body care products, protein powders, collagen, healthy bars and snacks, make-your-own peanut butter, local honey, and teas. It also sells soups made in-house and vegetarian sandwiches, juices and smoothies made to order.
Artwork by local artists are displayed in exhibits in business’s dining area, with most art available to purchase.
The business will be open through early to mid-August, The Natural Market general manager Katie Joy said in response to a commenter on Schwarz’s Facebook post.
The Natural Market will hold a going-out-of-business sale starting Monday at 9:30 a.m. with “significantly reduced prices.” The business will also be selling its equipment, furniture, and fixtures.
The sale excludes all juice bar, Sunneen, Zeke’s Coffee, Hex Kombucha, and Sea moss products as well as any previously purchased items.
Natural Market’s juice bar will be open Monday through Saturday, preparing juices, smoothies, and powerhouses only. Fresh kombucha from Hex Ferments will also be available on tap in the coming week.
“Please stop by, say hello, and take advantage of the savings as we wind down operations,” Schwarz wrote. “We would love the chance to personally thank you for being part of The Natural family.”
In a 2019 interview with Maryland Public Television, Joy explained how The Natural Market is different than other health product stores.
“One thing that really sets us apart is we’re willing to do a little more hand-holding,” Joy said. “When you come in and you have an issue that you’d like to address, we can talk with you and help you to discern what supplements to take and what supplements not to take. We’re going to be honest with you and not be pushing things on you that you don’t need.”
That personability was echoed in comments left by customers on Schwarz’s Facebook post.
“oh that is so sad, my mother and I got many great products from [your] store.. Always fresh and delicious.. I hope you have much success with whatever new journey you are going to embark in. Thank you, Steve Schwarz,” Ben Hackerman wrote.
“I’ve been coming here since I was little kid. So sad to hear it is closing! I need to know the secret recipe to the powerhouse sandwich please,” Emily Rachel wrote, to which Joy wholeheartedly offered to share the recipe upon the customer’s next visit.
