Independent retailers cut costs and boost profits through sustainability

Sustainability is proving to be more than just a buzzword on Britain’s high streets, as independent retailers discover that eco-friendly practices are driving both cost savings and increased profits. This emerging trend is explored in the latest episode of Bira’s ‘High Street Matters’ podcast, “Greening the High Street – Smart Solutions for Sustainable Retail”. In this […]
Study shows omega-3 supplements slowed biological ageing

A study by researchers at the University of Zürich has bolstered evidence linking omega-3s with slower biological ageing. Previous studies have shown that omega-3s alter the activity of genes, slowing the ageing process. In the new study, and for the first time, the Zürich team used ‘epigenetic clocks’ to measure the ageing process. The study shows […]
Trust in AI is highest among supplement users, research finds

People who use dietary supplements are significantly more likely to trust Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology than those who don’t, according to consumer research1commissioned by specialist PR business Ingredient Communications. In the survey, conducted by SurveyGoo, 64% of supplement users2 agreed that AI was generally positive for humanity, compared with 40% of non-supplement users. When asked about […]
Natural Health Trade Summit returns to Manchester

The Natural Health Trade Summit, the leading specialist trade event for independent health food retailers, is set to return to Manchester on Sunday 16 March 2025. Hosted at the Kimpton Clocktower, this year’s summit is set to be the most comprehensive yet, featuring over 100 exhibitors, engaging roundtable discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Organised in […]
Creatine – the ‘remarkable nutrient’ that is well and truly breaking put of its sports niche

A growing body of research is confirming creatine’s role as a valuable nutrient with benefits that extend well beyond muscle building and sports nutrition. Richard Kreider, a professor at Texas A&M University, with a special interest in kinesiology is an enthusiast. He recently told New Scientist magazine: “It’s a remarkable nutrient, which helps our cells […]
10 ways to help your store succeed in 2025!

Health Store UK’s Shop Talk webinar series kick off with a fast-paced look at how you can get your store off to a flying start in 2025. 10 Ways to Help Your Store Succeed in 2025 takes place online at 6pm on Wednesday 29 January. Session host, Dave Christie – Health Store UK’s new Head […]
‘We need thousands of indie food retailers – so, how do we get there?’

Independent food retailers account for just 5% of total food sales in Britain. Indie retailers passionately want to grow that share, not least because the dominant and highly centralised supermarket retail model is so intrinsically unsustainable. But how? That was the question up for discussion at an absorbing and candid conversation at last week’s Oxford Real […]
Christmas 2024 – how was it for you?

We’ve been getting some early reports in from Health Store UK Committee Members on how their businesses performed over the 2024 Christmas selling season, with generally encouraging and positive feedback. But we’d like to get a more comprehensive picture of how well the festive period delivered for our Members. So, we’d love to hear about […]
Health Stores UK 2024 Round-up: The year’s stand-out moments

2024 was an action-packed year for Health Stores UK. Here, we dip into our news archives and highlight some of the year’s stand-out moments. January Better Food’s Phil Haughton receives MBEPhil Haughton, founder of multiple award-winning organic retailer Better Food, was made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to sustainable food […]
Scotland’s small retailers denied rates relief in ‘bitterly disappointing’ Budget

Business owners and trade groups in Scotland have expressed frustration that small retailers will be denied the 40% rates discount that similar business continue to receive in England and Wales. Business groups and individual traders had lobbied the SNP-led Scottish Government ahead of last week’s Budget, stressing that funds had been made available specifically for […]