News
Welcome to our round-up the latest news on the natural and organic industry.
An additional archive of coverage of Health Stores UK activities can be found here at the Natural Newsdesk site.
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
Gen Z most likely to appreciate ‘uniqueness’ of indie retailers
New research commissioned by online marketplace Faire has found that 74% of Gen Z shoppers prefer shopping at independent retailers, with 62% willing to pay more
Acting on impulse: How to prompt your customers into making unplanned purchases
Optimising your store for impulse buys should be an essential part of your retail strategy. That’s because around 40% of shoppers will spend more than
Case for folic acid supplementation remains despite mandatory fortification of flour, says HFMA
As the Government regulation for the fortification of non-wholemeal flour with folic acid, came into force on 14 November along with extensive press coverage of
Indies urged to get behind Small Business Saturday event
Health store retailers are being urged to join other indie stores in spreading the word about Small Business Saturday, which celebrates the contribution of small
The top food, health and wellness trends to look out for in 2025
It’s late November and the annual festival of industry trend spotting is in full swing. Everyone from market analysts to big name retailers, brand agencies
Black Friday alternative urges indies to get colourful!
The countdown to this year’s Colour Friday promotion, the Black Friday alternative that encourages people to “shop though their values”, has begun. The event which
Horans makes it 19 with Newbridge opening
Irish independent retail chain Horans Healthstore has extended its store portfolio to 19 with the opening this week of a new outlet in Newbridge, County Kildare.
Edinburgh retailer hosts Scottish Labour leader to talk rates relief
Edinburgh-based retailer Hanover Healthfoods hosted a visit from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar this week, on the day he called on the SNP-led Government to “support Scotland’s
Health stores uniquely placed to help Millennials and Gen Z on their health journeys
Health stores are uniquely placed to help set Millennials and Gen Z on a journey of good health. That’s the passionately held view of Holly
Daventry health store launches blister pack recycling scheme
Health Stores UK member Sheaf Street Health Store has launched a scheme to enable recycling of blister packs, describing it as a “win-win for the
Help give an up-to-date picture of independent retailing with this quick and easy survey
Will you help our umbrella group the Independent Retailers Confederation paint an up-to-date picture of trading conditions and prospects for indie retailers by completing their
Target Publishing donates again to ‘tireless industry champion’ Health Stores UK
Target Publishing this week presented a cheque to the value of £2,100 to Health Stores UK, following a successful NHT Summit in Bristol last month.
Health Stores UK urges caution on employment law changes
Health Stores UK says that sweeping changes to employment law proposed under the Government’s Employment Rights Bill risk disproportionately burdening independent retailers. Whilst supporting the
Making sure our voice is heard in the national health debate
Health Stores UK is determined to ensure that the vital role that our sector can play in improving the health of the nation is properly
Health Stores UK attends upbeat Bira Conference
Health Stores UK Business Development Manager Dave Christie and Committee Member Cheryl Thallon represented the Association at this year’s Bira Conference, which was held in
Festive season toolkit – ready to download!
Following on from our popular Christmas-themed Shop Talk event, we’ve created a festive season digital toolkit for members to use during this key selling period.
Health Stores UK welcomes Dave Christie as Head of Business Development
Health Stores UK has welcomed Dave Christie as its new Head of Business Development, a brand new role created by the association to drive future
Future proof your business by connecting with the next generation
To future proof our retail businesses we will need to reach out to – and resonate with – the next generation of conscious consumers. How
DHSC invites Health Stores UK to input into national ten-year health plan
In July, after Labour won the General Election, we wrote to the incoming Government setting out our Election Checklist – ten top priorities from both
‘Game-changing’ AI package helps retailers create polished social media campaigns with minimum know-how and cost
When retail business owner and Health Stores UK deputy chair Melanie Beard heard about a new AI package that it was claimed could boost a
Health food store is the ‘absolute hero’ of Viridian founder’s new children’s story
A health food store is the “absolute hero” of a new children’s story by Viridian Nutrition founder and Health Stores UK committee member, Cheryl Thallon
Try these great tips to make your festive season sparkle
Health Stores UK’s latest Shop Talk event offered retailers a whole host of brilliant tried and tested tips and ideas that will help stores get
‘Money changes minds’: BMJ investigation shows 50% of Government nutrition advisory group has links to industry
More than half of the experts on the UK government’s nutrition advisory panel have links to the food industry, a new investigation by the BMJ reveals. At
Organic retail pioneer Phil Haughton to lead roundtable at this weekend’s NHT Summit
One of country’s leading organic retail pioneers, Phil Haughton, will lead a roundtable session at this weekend’s NHT Summit in Bristol (Sunday 29 September, Ashton
Business rate rise would be ‘catastrophic’ for Indies, Bira warns
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is set to address critical issues facing the UK’s high streets at its upcoming Annual Conference, marking the event’s
NOPEX moves to Monday/Tuesday slot for 2025
Diversified Communications has announced that next year’s Natural & Organic Products Expo (NOPEX) will move to a new Monday/Tuesday slot in response to changing market dynamics.
NHT Summit Roundtables focus on compelling retailer themes
Topics for the Roundtable talks at this month’s NHT Summit will cover a range of compelling retailer themes. Details of two of the Roundtables have
‘Retailers and distributors working closer together is win-win for channel’
“When independent health food retailers and distributors work closely together there is a win-win for the whole of our wonderful channel”, said Dave Christie of
Volunteer ‘human chain’ ensures speedy relocation for Cardiff retailer
A volunteer 70-strong human chain enabled a remarkably quick store relocation for Cardiff-based wholefood retailer and Health Stores UK member Iechyd Da, earlier this month.
Press play: Watch our webinars at a time that suits you
Did you know that if you are a Health Stores UK member you can watch many of our popular webinar events at a time and
Don’t pass me by: Encouraging shoppers to stop, look and enter your store
What does your store front say about you and your business? Is it attracting potential new customers, or could it – gasp! – be putting
Health Stores UK congratulates Ian Martin Award recipient Keziah Blake-Mizen
Health Stores UK warmly congratulates Keziah Blake-Mizen for being presented with the 2024 Ian Martin Award, part of the annual Health Food Institute Awards. The
Getting the most from distributors
Join co hosts Dave Christie (Take on Goliath) and Ruth Hawthorne (Natural Trade Brokers) for our next Shop Talk webinar – an enlightening session designed
Get on board with Organic September for an autumn sales uplift!
Organic September, the UK’s largest month-long organic campaign, is coming up fast. It’s a moment in the year to put your organic credentials as an
Health Stores UK welcomes trio of new members
Health Stores UK is pleased to welcome on board three new members. Our new joiners are: Down to Earth in Midhurst, West Sussex Yfda Health Store
Registration opens for 2024 Bristol NHT Summit
Registration has opened for the 2024 edition of the Bristol Natural Health Trade (NHT) Summit. The event, entirely devoted to independent health food retailers and
‘Sadness’ in Irish industry as THS falls into administration
The health food industry has reacted with “sadness” at news of that The Health Store (THS) and GNC chain of stores in Ireland have been
Ashwagandha ban warning as FSA launches safety consultation
The UK Food Standards Agency (ASA) has launched a consultation on ashwagandha (withania somnifera), in which it is specifically asking for safety data for ashwagandha food supplements.
Ahiflower shows similar joint health benefits to fish oil, says study
A new study by the Université de Moncton, Canada, has shown that the British-grown ahiflower oil (Buglossoides arvensis) has similar efficacy as fish oils when it
Our message to Ministers: Healthy high streets and healthy communities go together!
Commenting on the Labour Party’s election win, Health Stores UK chair Len Glenville, says: “In April, Labour announced a five-point plan ‘to restore Britain’s high
Top tips on how to power up your POS!
For retailers looking to power up their point of sale, there was no better place to be than the latest Health Stores UK Shop Talk session, this
‘Let’s put health stores at the heart of the social prescribing conversation’
“I think there’s a fantastic opportunity to put health food stores at the heart of the social prescribing conversation” says the health food retailer and
Top celebrities join industry and NGOs calling for ‘refill revolution’
Over 35 NGOS, brands and celebrities have backed an open letter calling for legally binding reusable packaging targets. Greenpeace UK, Oceana UK and Ocean Bottle
Study links omega-3 deficiency with increase in aggression
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that insufficient omega-3 intake in children and adults can lead to higher levels of aggression. The researchers studied
Top HFMA awards for Graham Keen and Rachel Symonds
The Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) has recognised two very prominent industry figures with awards at its AGM, held in London yesterday. Graham Keen, received
Save the dates for this year’s Wednesday Webinar events!
You can now save the dates for our popular Webinar Wednesday events through to December 2024. Here is the programme for remainder of the year.
Wild Oats celebrates Independent Retailer of the Year win
Long-term Health Stores UK member Wild Oats has been celebrating winning Independent Retailer of the year at this year’s Natural and Organic Innovation Awards 2024,
Remembering our colleague and friend Ruth Noah – 1971-2024
We were deeply saddened to learn that our colleague and friend, and former Committee member, Ruth Noah, has passed away. We extend our condolences to
Health Stores UK unveils General Election Checklist
Health Stores UK has created a pledge card-style General Election Checklist to highlight the vital role that health stores can play in improving the health
Lively Shop Talk session highlights opportunity to ‘empower men to prioritise their health’
A lively and well attended Shop Talk session has shone a light on the important issue of men’s health. The session was introduced by Shop
Tell us why YOU are a passionate member of Health Stores UK
This month we are launching a new series of videos aimed at encouraging more retailers to join Health Stores UK. With more members we can
EU and UK elections could spark fresh debate on supplements regulation
Upcoming elections in Europe and the UK could spark fresh debate and policy activity around regulation of food supplements and herbal products, the director general
Top tips on maximising the men’s health category
Are you looking to build on your knowledge about advising on men’s health issues? Would you value some top tips on how to maximise the
Live from Daventry! Mastermind Forum offers retailers top tips on running in-store events
In-store events can be a great to way engage with customers, boost sales and establish your store as community education hub. Good planning, smart marketing
Target Publishing donates £2,200 to Health Stores UK
We were delighted earlier this month to receive a generous donation of £2,200 from Target Publishing to support our work championing the cause of independent
What do you think about Mary Portas’s view of health stores?
The retail expert and former government adviser on the future of the high street, Mary Portas, was the headline speaker at last week’s Natural &
Bira Launches ‘High Street Matters’ Podcast for Independent Retailers
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), of which Health Stores UK is a member, is giving independent businesses across the UK a powerful new resource
Watch the video highlights of two action-packed days at NOPEX
We had a fantastic two days at Natural & Organic Products Expo earlier this week, chatting with members and retail colleagues, signing up new members
Viridian founder ‘honoured’ to receive Lifetime Achievement Award
Viridian Nutrition founder and Health Stores UK Committee member, Cheryl Thallon, has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Cheryl was presented with a plaque at
Come and see us on Stand G70 at NOPEX!
At Health Stores UK we are looking forward to welcoming Members, colleagues and friends onto our stand at Natural & Organic Products Expo this coming
Host of top speakers lined up for NOPEX seminar sessions
Natural & Organic Products Expo, which takes place this coming Sunday and Monday (14-15 April) at ExCel, London, has unveiled an impressive speaker line-up for
Next Mastermind Forum will come live from Sheaf Street Health Store!
Our next Health Stores Mastermind Forum event will be live-streamed from Sheaf Street Health Store in Daventry. This will be a ‘first’ for the store,
Osavi’s Collagen Beauty & Sport by Magda Linette: an innovative product for active people
Health Stores UK’s partner Olivit is a main distributor for leading supplements innovator Osavi. Here, we learn about how Osavi has been working with the
Being a Health Stores UK Partner helps us support vital Indies, says Faith In Nature
Pioneering ethical and cruelty-free beauty brand Faith In Nature says that being a Health Stores UK Partner enables the company to demonstrate its commitment to
Harness the power of customer-centric thinking to boost your store sales
How can you transform your store into a hub of excellence and customer understanding? That was the question up for discussion in the latest Health
‘Indie Focus’ at Natural & Organic Products Expo 2024
The natural and organic industry will gather next month for the 2024 edition ofNatural & Organic Products Expo (London ExCeL on 14-15 April) and will
Bee Health and FSC says Health Stores UK Partnership is ‘perfect match’
We are delighted that Bee Health and FSC have confirmed their ongoing support for Health Stores UK as official Partners. Established in 1992, Bee Health
‘Extremely positive’ NHT Summit draws hundreds to Manchester event
The Natural Health Trade Summit saw hundreds of health food retailers and brands come together in Manchester last weekend. Organised in association with Health Stores
Health Stores Ireland backs ‘Savejobs Campaign’ as NMW pressure mounts on small business
Health Stores Ireland is supporting the Savejobs Campaign, launched by an alliance of business representatives on March 12th. The campaign has opened an online pledge
Mastermind Forum prompts lively exchange on hot retailing issues
Retailers joined host Cheryl Thallon last week for another lively Health Store Mastermind Forum. Each session begins with retailers being asked about the issues that
Chancellor’s NI cut prompts optimism about consumer spending
Health Stores UK shares the view of the wider retail industry that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s 2024 Spring Budget offers some grounds for optimism. But the
Bio-nature confirms its on-going support for Health Stores UK
We are delighted that Bio-nature and Terranova have confirmed their ongoing support for Health Stores UK as official Partners. Bio-nature is one of the best
Lively Roundtable programme announced for Manchester NHT Summit
Target Publishing, organiser of the Natural Health Trade Summit, has announced roundtable events for its upcoming Manchester event. Dedicated to independent health food retailers, the
Independents positive about opportunity to grow organic sales
Independent retailers outperformed supermarkets in sales of organic food, wellness and beauty products in 2023. New data contained in the 2024 Soil Association Organic Market report shows
Get ready for Webinar Wednesday!
At Health Stores UK we are creating a new regular slot for our popular online discussion and education programme, currently consisting of our Shop Talk,
Viridian report shines spotlight on ‘not so healthy supplements’
Health Stores UK Partner Viridian Nutrition says it wants to shine a spotlight on hidden ultra processed ingredients and additives in food supplements with its
Queen of Shops: Mary Portas to headline at NOPEX
Natural & Organic Products Expo (NOPEX) has announced that the prominent retail expert, broadcaster, author, and activist, Mary Portas, will headline the trade event on
We welcome two new members with an exciting future
This month we welcome two new members to the association. Natural Choice describes itself as a traditional health food shop and has been established in
How harder working windows can capture new customers
“Your store window should be a conversation starter with the people who walk past your shop every day, but who don’t necessarily come in. Think
Countdown to Manchester NHT Summit begins
The countdown has begun for the 2024 Manchester edition of the Natural Health Trade Summit, which takes place on Sunday 17 March. Dedicated to independent
Health Store Mastermind Forum creates ‘safe space’ for retailers to talk shop
The first in a new series of Health Store Mastermind Forums took place earlier this month, generating a lively, interactive discussion on a range of
Window of opportunity: Unlocking the potential of your shop windows
Shop windows serve as a gateway to new customers, offering stores a prime opportunity to advertise. With hundreds of potential customers passing by each day,
Better Food’s Phil Haughton receives MBE
Phil Haughton, founder of multiple award-winning organic retailer Better Food, has been made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to sustainable
Prioritise resilience and adaptability, Bira urges indies
With difficult trading conditions likely to continue well into 2024, the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is urging owners of independent retail businesses to “prioritise
Understanding ashwagandha
In this article, Health Stores UK partner Olivit explores the history and well-evidenced benefits of ashwagandha used as a natural remedy for a host of
Read yourself healthy in 2024!
Our long-standing Partner, Viridian Nutrition, is offering 10 boxes stuffed full of health and nutrition books for the first 10 stores that join Health Stores
Retailers hear how they can harness the power of social media
Independent health food retailers gained valuable insights into how they can harness the power of social media, during a lively online workshop co-hosted by small
Free resources for indies as Soil Association launches health and wellbeing focused New Year campaign
The Soil Association will begin a PR campaign in January that will focus on organic as part of a healthy lifestyle. Drawing on the growing
Get ready for Health Store Mastermind Forum!
What keeps you awake at night? Need some fresh marketing ideas? Too busy to plan ahead? If this sounds like you, you’ll want to sign
Autumn statement: Business rates relief extension welcome, but small retailers face ever higher costs
Health Stores UK has welcomed aspects of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, but warns that high business costs continue to threaten the viability of crucially needed
Can Yarrow help with IBS?
Here, Kate Harris, a product trainer at Health Stores UK Partner A. Vogel, asks ‘can yarrow help with IBS?’. Kate looks at latest research that has
High street rental auctions could be game-changer
A new government bill that gives local councils powers to run compulsory auctions on vacant shop units could be a “game-changer” says the retail industry
Indies urged to get behind Love Your High Street Week
Independent retailers are being urged to get behind a week-long celebration this month of all things indie. Love Your High Street Week is organised by
Holland & Barrett trials over-the-counter medicines listings
Holland & Barret is trialling sales of over-the-counter medicines and health products in 20 of its stores. The surprise nmove is designed to widen the
NHT Summit organiser donates £2,100 to Health Stores UK
NHT Summit organiser Target Publishing has made a donation to Health Stores UK to help fund its vital work for independent health food retailers. Len Glenville, Health
Supercharge your social media presence!
Social media is one of the most important aspects of a health store’s digital presence. It opens up dialog with existing and prospective customers, conveys
Indies urged to get behind Love Your High Street Week
Independent retailers are being urged to get behind a week-long celebration this month of all things indie. Love Your High Street Week is organised by
Big in 2024: Health and nutrition trends to look out for next year
Around this time of year a barrage of predictions about food, health and nutrition trends is unleashed. In fact, there are so many predictions ricocheting
Lively workshop helps retailers get planning for 2024
A lively online workshop led by small business mentor Dave Christie provided independent health store retailers with a whole range of tips on how to
Spreading the word about Health Stores UK
We were delighted when one our of highly valued Partners, Natural Trade Brokers (NTB), recently offered to help us to spread the word about Health
Bristol NHT Summit proves a hit with retailers
We’ve just packed up after a fantastic NHT Summit, held for the first time Bristol. And what a success it was. The event attracted independent
Where does the FSA’s new guidance on CBD intake leave retailers?
Last week The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued new precautionary advice to consumers on CBD, recommending that healthy adults should limit their consumption of CBD
Calling all Indies – grab yourselves some free advice on Planning for 2024!
With the winter festive selling season in sight, retailers’ thoughts will soon be turning soon to how to maximise business opportunities for 2024. If this
Take out Health Stores UK membership and bag these great offers!
Why should I join Health Stores UK? In short, you’d be nuts not to! But in case our existing package of brilliant membership benefits
See you in Bristol!
The independent health food trade is preparing to gather in just over a week in Bristol for the 2023 edition of the NHT Summit. At Health
Holly shows how to make in-store events a real success
In-store events are a great way to boost store footfall and increase customer spend. But they benefit from good planning, smart marketing and buy-in from
Interview: “There’s a massive opportunity for indie health stores , and I want to help them seize it!”
Business coach Dave Christie is the founder of small business mentoring specialist Take on Goliath. Specialising in family-run and independent businesses, Dave also has a
Health Stores UK helps indie retailers ‘Take on Goliath’
Health Stores UK is partnering with leading small business mentoring specialist Take on Goliath, in a move designed to help members grow their business and be
Health stores at heart of new healthy kids campaign
Health Stores across the UK and Ireland are at the centre of a new collaboration between the ‘Wholefood Chef’ Oliver McCabe and Viridian Nutrition aimed
Olivit ‘excited’ at new partnership with Health Stores UK
Health Stores UK has welcomed prominent supplements distributor Olivit to its Partner programme. Olivit offers products from a roster of over 50 in-demand US brands,
Go West: Registration opens for 2023 NHT Summit
Registration has opened for the 2023 Natural Health Trade (NHT) Summit, which will take place on Sunday 8 October in Bristol. This is the first
‘Exciting opportunity’ – Devizes health food institution goes up for sale
Long-standing Devizes retailer – and Health Stores UK member – The Healthy Life has gone up for sale, offering a “exciting opportunity” to develop and
Multivitamin improves memory in older adults, US study finds
Taking a daily multivitamin supplement can slow age-related memory decline, a large UK study has found. The researchers, led by teams at Columbia University and
Viridian ‘honoured’ to receive King’s Award for Enterprise
Viridian Nutrition says it is honoured to receive the “royal seal of approval” in the form of prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. The family-run supplement
‘How to Open & Run a Successful Health Store’ – first-of-its-kind book is co-published by Cheryl Thallon and Health Stores UK
April 16th sees the publication of a new book, How to Open and Run a Successful Health Store a collaboration between Health Stores UK, and committee member,
Health Stores UK announces packed programme of events for NOPEX
Health Stores UK will have a major presence at this weekend’s NOPEX event (16-17 April), including a packed programme of events on our stand (K65)
Spring Budget: Health Stores UK welcomes more positive outlook but is disappointed at lack of fresh business support
Health Stores UK welcomes the more positive economic outlook outlined by the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, in his Spring Budget this week, but is disappointed at the absence of fresh support for small retail businesses who continue to struggle with exceptionally challenging trading conditions.
HFMA highlights role of vitamin D supplements as cost of nutrient rich foods rises sharply
The Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) has highlighted the role of vitamin D and other supplements in safeguarding against dietary deficiencies as food costs rise.
NHT Summit heads for Bristol
The 2023 Natural Health Trade Summit will take place in Bristol (8 October) – a hub for all things organic, natural and ethical – organiser Target Publishing has announced.
Faith in Nature announces partnership with Health Stores UK
Faith In Nature has announced it’s now a patron of Health Stores UK in a sponsorship designed to support the growth and success of the nation’s indie health stores.
Health Stores UK urges brands to flag up indie health stores
In a new initiative which aims to promote specialist retailers, Health Stores UK is urging natural and organic brands to clearly highlight in their advertising when products are available in independent health stores.
To this end, Health Stores UK has designed a series of badges featuring the phrase ‘Available From Independent Health Stores’ that brands can use in their consumer and trade ad campaigns.
New Chancellor must support indies, says Health Stores UK
Health Stores UK is calling upon new Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, to provide urgent ‘targeted financial support’ for independent retailers. Making a statement yesterday afternoon, Health Stores UK said: “Earlier today, the Chancellor announced that he would abandon virtually all of the controversial tax cuts announced by his predecessor, Kwasi Kwarteng, in last month’s mini-budget.”
Daily Express: Best supplements for arthritis: Two pills shown to reduce inflammation and symptoms
Common arthritis symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion in the joints. Symptoms may come and go and can be either mild,
The Edinburgh News: Top 10 gut symptoms experienced by Brits
More than a third of Brits think they might have an undiagnosed condition with their gut – but refuse to go to the doctor. A
The Daily Express: Vitamin B12 deficiency: A type of body pain may signal you have low B12 levels
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Given
The Daily Express: Energy boosting vitamins: The best supplements to stop tiredness
Iron is essentially important in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. While most people will get all the iron they need