At the 2024 CHFA NOW, held in Vancouver, retailers were encouraged to participate and share their experiences in an idea exchange during a retailer roundtable.

Attending retailers were split into five groups and each group was asked a question about a pressing issue impacting the natural health retail industry—rent inflation, vendor relations, supply chain, consumer education, and ethical practices and sustainability practices.

From high-quality products to sustainable practices, Vita Health is more than just a health food store—it’s a family business deeply connected to its community and dedicated to empowering people to lead healthier lives.

Being a humble individual, Janine Favreau didn’t want a big fuss made of her 40th anniversary as the owner of the Nutters Everyday Naturals in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. This milestone makes her Nutters’ longest serving franchisee.

The Big Carrot, Toronto, Ontario, turned 40 last year. Started in 1983 by nine founders as a worker’s co-op, The Big Carrot is one of the city’s longest established traditional health food stores.

More than ever before, consumers are looking for credible information about which products to try, initiatives to support, and supplements to seek out. In your quest to provide this vital guidance to your customers, the timing has never been better to include our industry’s most trusted source to your sales team: alive magazine. For 50 years, alive magazine has delivered engaging, reliable, and cutting-edge natural health information.

The Health First Network (HFN) annual general meeting (AGM) in Toronto this year was special as it marked the 25th anniversary of the founding of this retailer organization.

The Pantry Natural Foods, Mission, BC, turned 50 this year. It was founded in 1974 by Jenne and Harold Greger and is now owned and managed by their daughter Margot Greger.

While the world has slowly but steadily recovered from the fallout of COVID-19 pandemic, retailers are still dealing with its aftereffects—specifically from a phenomenon called “rent-flation.”

CNHR talked to Joe D’Addario, Nature’s Emporium co-founder and CEO, about the importance of store lighting. Joe has been in natural health retailing since 1993. During this time, he discovered the role his store’s lighting played: how it highlighted products and set the atmosphere for different parts of the store. In this article, Joe shares some of his thoughts on helping you present your store in a better “light.”

Pura Vida Nutrition Store, located in the heart of Renfrew, Ontario, and owned by Kathy Lofthouse, is a haven for natural health enthusiasts seeking alternatives to the mainstream. One thing that sets Pura Vida apart from other natural health stores is its charming location—nestled within a 150-year-old house, Pura Vida is a nostalgic encounter for most Renfrew residents.

The Health First Network (HFN) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The group—made up of 108 members, representing 147 independent health food stores across Canada—has a great deal to celebrate.

While in Montreal and Ottawa recently, I had the opportunity to visit some stores with three very good industry friends: my colleague Ellen Wheeler of Alive Publishing Group, and Joanne McDonald and Deb Larocque of Preferred Nutrition and Natural Factors. In total, it was 10 stores over a couple of days. These visits will result in larger feature stories on a couple of the stores later in the year.

Welcome to the captivating world of alive magazine, where wellness meets wisdom, and every issue is a symphony of natural health. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the making of your favourite periodical—the one that graces your shelves and entices your customers—join me. It’s a journey filled with collaboration, research, and a sprinkle of editorial magic.

With multiple stores in Calgary and Edmonton, Amaranth is preparing for its 30th anniversary. Co-owner Brendan Klatt recently spoke with CNHR, reflecting on how Amaranth has been successful in steadily growing and strengthening its base in Alberta despite the increasingly competitive marketplace.

When Leah Langlois opened Stay Wild Natural Health in Pemberton, BC, seven years ago, the move aimed to address a lack of availability of natural health items in the area—but she also wanted it to be more than just a place to shop for quality natural health products. She wanted it to be a welcoming and comfortable community space for people to browse, learn, read, enjoy a nutritious meal, share ideas, and meet new people. Since then, along with her dedicated team, Leah has grown Stay Wild into just that: a community hub built around natural health.