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 Far from outdated, purely negative models of microbes, the research is accelerating in its understanding of how these tiny organisms are pivotal not only to human health but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.

In an era where health consciousness is on the rise, many of us are turning towards natural supplements as an approach and pathway to a holistic life and well-being. However, as we navigate this green wellness wave, it's crucial to consider the broader impact of our choices, particularly on this planet that sustains us.

One beautiful day in early February, my wife and I took our dog Nico to a nearby park for a bit of fetch and exploration. It was so nice I couldn’t help but think, “February hasn’t been this mild in years.”

 Except it was ... the previous year! February 2023 set a record high in my area, and I had already forgotten. Thinking about this brought a few marketing lessons to mind.

Marketing to Millennials. Winning with Boomers. Selling to Gen Zs.

You’ve heard them named and defined countless times. But when you stop to consider them, what do these generational labels really mean?

The “better for you” product movement continues to see traction, driven by evolving consumer preferences for healthier, more sustainable, and transparent products. But what does “better for you” really mean to natural health shoppers? We spoke to the alive Listens community to gain insights into what your shoppers think.

In the previous issue of CNHR, I introduced the topic of empathetic leadership.

 The COVID-19 pandemic marked a pivotal turning point in how we lead our teams. Now, more than ever, I feel leading with empathy must come first and foremost.