Did you know that mass market stores spend most of their marketing dollars on inside-the-store promotions, aka merchandising?

That said, merchandising actually starts outside the store. The store sign, lighting, parking, window displays, sandwich boards, entryway, posters, and such contribute to the feeling the prospective customer gets to either come in to shop or walk/drive by.

The third annual Prairie Naturals Men’s Health Gala was held on April 24, 2025, at the Vancouver Aquarium and was attended by industry professionals, the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF), over 150 retail partners from across Canada, and the media.

The Supplier Roundtable, held at CHFA NOW Vancouver 2025, was led by Suzie Yorke, Founder of 4X Better Chocolates, Love Good Fats, and Founders Helping Founders. The session brought up some timely and honest conversations about tariffs.

After a lengthy career in leading and managing long-term care and retirement residences in Ontario, Steven Golden made his initial venture into the natural health retailing industry in 2022, when he purchased L’Amie de la santé in Hawkesbury, Ontario.

The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) hosted its 2025 Organic Leadership Awards and Gala at Seasons in the Park restaurant in Vancouver, BC, on April 24, celebrating nine years of recognizing excellence in Canada’s organic sector.

A platform for startups and innovators, CHFA Launch Pad gives award hopefuls the floor to pitch their businesses for a chance to win the title of “Most Innovative Product” and a grand prize pack worth over $50,000.

The big winner of the CHFA NOW Vancouver 2025 Launch Pad was Magic Scoop Nutrition’s Magic Scoop – All-in-One Nutritional Greens.

In this column, Ellen introduces you to Mona Jagota, a dynamic and accomplished business leader with a passion for innovation, community engagement, and empowering others.

 With over two decades of experience at Nature’s Source, Mona has established herself as a trailblazer in her domain, blending entrepreneurial vision with operational expertise to drive success and inspire those around her. Since joining Nature’s Source in 1998, Mona has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success.

It was not so many years ago when our industry was divided and in turmoil—caused primarily by the federal government’s desire to clarify and impose a stricter regulatory standard to our products.

 If you were around back then, you can remember how people were clearly on one side or the other. It was a very unsettling time.

 Today, a different federal government—this one from south of the 49th—has caused confusion and turmoil in our industry and in our country, with its desire to impose tariffs.

The alive editorial team was out in full force at CHFA NOW Vancouver—attending seminars, networking at industry events, and exploring the latest innovations on the show floor.

When I was growing up, local health food stores were the undisputed pioneers of wellness. Long before modern medicine began noticing and discussing the preventative benefits of micronutrients, our local health shops were educating the public about their value, supporting the idea that providing the body with proper nutrition is the key to vibrant living.

Following the acquisition of CanPrev Natural Health Products by Canadian-based global health company Apotex, CanPrev founders Tanya and Franco Salituro see a bright future for the company they founded 20 years ago, and by extension, for natural health retailers.

Jan Janzen, the Natural Factors sales representative for Manitoba and Northwest Ontario, retired at the end of January 2025, after more than two decades of dedicated service.

Canada, the fifth-largest organic market globally, continues to lead the way in environmentally conscious practices. With 66 percent of Canadians purchasing organic products weekly, Organic Month is the perfect opportunity to connect with consumers, support farmers, and showcase a commitment to sustainability.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being integrated into almost every industry, from healthcare to finance. Natural health retailers, take note: it might seem intimidating, but AI presents a huge opportunity for small businesses to succeed. Here’s how you can use AI to grow without needing more resources (yes, really!).