In this column, Ellen introduces you to Brenda Kirk, senior vice president of operations and merchandising at Pattison Food Group. During her 45 years in the grocery industry, Brenda has honed her reputation as a dynamic, strategic and committed leader who’s focused on achieving results and doing what’s right for her team and customers.

Trade show season is the perfect opportunity to discover new trends, connect with key partners, and fine-tune your store’s strategy. Are you prepared to make the most of it?

We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat.” Ongoing research in food and nutrition is giving us deeper insights into how profoundly our food choices affect not just our physical health but also our mental well-being. The foods we consume daily have the power to influence our mood, cognition, and overall mental state in significant ways.

CNHR is pleased to introduce a new column this year. “In Her Own Words” will appear each issue, and it will introduce you to outstanding female leaders and innovators in our natural health community.

The biggest consumer trends affecting natural health retailers in 2025 may not be wellness fads like chlorophyll or gut health (Though those are still going strong on TikTok!). Instead, perceptions of corporate excess are poised to drive more consumers to community-driven stores.

As the saying goes, ‘necessity is the mother of invention.’ This adage holds particularly true for natural health food retailers, especially during the busiest times of the year from November to January.

You probably put a lot of effort into your store’s physical location, from perfecting endcaps to alphabetizing supplements. But what about your store’s digital foundation? Here’s a checklist to help you build a strong and successful online presence.

Over the past five years, stress levels have soared, testing our resilience like never before. We all feel it.

Listen up: digital marketing doesn’t need to be difficult. You don’t need to invest in the latest tech or spend thousands on Facebook ads. Instead, you can employ the following simple strategies to set up your store for success in the digital space.

Since moving into the role of owner, I have been continually surprised by how thoughtful I must be about every business expense. Every time I make a decision about inventory, I have learned to always pay attention to the needs of the customer.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest health food trends. From mushroom smoothies to turmeric lattes, there’s no shortage of buzzworthy items making their rounds on social media. However, it’s crucial to recognize that health food is more than just a fleeting trend; it represents a culture of preventative and holistic approaches to wellness.

After earning my degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC), I landed my dream job in management consulting where I lasted only 90 days. It was 2008, and Occupy Wall Street was in full swing. I found myself questioning my contributions to the world around me. After quitting, I worked in the non-profit sector for a while. But I had a desire for something more.

Have you ever wondered about the trillions of microbes that inhabit your body? Understanding this vast universe inside us—known as the microbiome—is revolutionizing our health. Far from outdated, purely negative models of microbes, the research is accelerating in its understanding of how these tiny organisms are pivotal not only to human health but also to the health of our planet.

When it comes to purchasing natural health products, the journey of a first-time buyer differs significantly from that of a repeat customer. Understanding these differences is crucial for both retailers and manufacturers when developing effective marketing plans and ensuring customer loyalty.

In today's competitive market, consumers are looking for more than products; they are seeking a deeper connection with the brands they support. This trend is particularly prominent in the natural health products industry, where consumers aren’t just hoping—but expecting—companies to have a strong mission and values.