More than just retail spaces
Over the past five years, stress levels have soared, testing our resilience like never before. We all feel it.
Effective digital marketing strategies help drive sales
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.
Moving from management to ownership
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.
Health food: a culture beyond trends
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.
How I found my home in Canada’s health food industry
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.
Under the spotlight: our microbiome
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 Far from outdated, purely negative models of microbes, the research is accelerating in its understanding of how these tiny organisms are pivotal not only to human health but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.
Understanding your shopper: first-time vs. repeat customers
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.
Cultivating wellness: sustainable practices in natural supplement industry
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.
Goodbye generational labels: here’s a better way to target customers
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?
What does “better for you” really mean to the natural health shopper?
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.
Empathetic leadership is the key to thriving in a post-COVID-19 world: part 2
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.
Allostatic load: Balancing ourselves and our planet
In today’s fast-paced world, stress is more than just a passing feeling; it deeply impacts our physical health through something called allostatic load.
Shopper challenges in understanding product certifications
In the realm of natural health products, deciphering certifications on product labels has become an intricate puzzle for consumers. The challenges primarily revolve around the overwhelming variety of certifications and the lack of standardization across these certifications, creating significant hurdles in consumers’ quest for clarity and authenticity.
How enemies became friends (and customers are won)
It was December 24, 1914: the first Christmas Eve of World War One. After five months of war, a one-and-a-half-day truce began between enemy troops. Reports varied across regions, but a theme emerged.
Flourishing: The synergy of planet, health, and optimism
We Canadians cherish and take pride in the breathtaking beauty of our nation—from the rugged coastlines and boreal forests, to the great plains and majestic Rockies. However, to truly appreciate the nature around us, we need to understand the deeper bond between us and the Earth that lies beneath these mesmerizing green spaces—a connection that directly affects our health and well-being.