The Origin line consists of “plant-based products that emphasize individual well-being and appeal to an ecologically-oriented customer.” With a look that has been fairly consistent since the opening of the first retail location in Massachusetts a decade ago,

The concept behind an Origins store is to make the shopper feel at ease. Striving for a tranquil atmosphere, complete with new-age music tinkling in the background, the raw wood accents lend an earthen sensibility. Woven baskets display products for skin care, cosmetics, bath and body, hair care, and aromatherapy (they call it Sensory Therapy), along with an array of yoga mats and back massagers. Salespeople, referred to as “guides,” greet the customer with cheery hellos and are trained to lead customers to product through the art of subtle suggestion. Their mission is to provide friendly information and product samples intended to reinforce the brand philosophy.

However, as with any product where the retail atmosphere is half the appeal, we wonder how these practices translate to the virtual experience online.

The answer is that Origins.com strives to attain the same sense of well-being online. Upon first entering the site, you are officially welcomed into “the most relaxing place in cyberspace,” indicating that you, the consumer, are in for a pampering experience. The site uses kelly green to infer the earth consciousness of the brand, and gentle pinks, blues and earth tones consistent with the look and feel of the retail experience. New products are formally introduced with a prominent display on the homepage; the user is encouraged to click images to find out more about the latest lotions and potions with lit links on rollover. Like the retail store, the promise of free samples with an online purchase encourages the user to shop. Unlike the retail store, the yoga mats are nowhere to be found.

Finding one’s way around the site is easy, with both top and side navigation bars guiding the user through product categories. The top navigation bar aids the browsing process through the power of suggestion, by featuring “Product Favorites,” “Ways to Manage Stress,” “Customer Service” and a store locator search mechanism. The side navigation bar is useful if you already know what you want. There is also a search at the bottom of the page where you can plug in the name or attribute of what you are looking for. The content, like the product descriptions, is written with a hint of whimsy. “Never a Dull Moment” is a skin scrub; “Everything Nice” is a creamy, fragrant bubble bath. The men’s section is called “Male Call” and a nasal soother for the sick is called, “Open for Business.”

The site works at virtual customer service by personalizing your visit with quizzes to suggest the right color or product for you. Of course, when it comes to cosmetics, there is no easy way a chart on a computer can be as intimate as the advice of a “guide,” but Origins.com does attempt to deliver recommendations with a personal touch. The greatest effort can be seen in the “Manage Stress” section, where affirmations, tips on reflexology, even a Shockwave mandala ring, is yours for the meditating.