The National Association of Health Stores (NAHS) has changed its name to Health Stores UK in a major brand refresh that signals an exciting period of development for the 91-year-old organisation.
The name change comes as Health Stores UK formally takes over the HealthyDoesIt consumer health initiative.
HealthyDoesIt was launched early in the pandemic by the HFMA, and is built around an engaging consumer website that offers news, educational resources and special promotions to a growing following of subscribers. In June, the HFMA announced that it would be gifting the HealthyDoesIt brand and website to the NAHS, as the organisation best-placed to build on its success and drive it forward.
Health Stores UK is marking the official handover with the launch of a new HealthyDoesIt campaign called ‘Healthy Does Natural Pharmacy’. The campaign will highlight natural health products and health foods that can help with 35 minor ailments and conditions that the NHS has announced it will no longer issue prescription medicines for (including probiotics, vitamins and minerals).
Say hello to Health Stores UK
The NAHS rebrand is backed by a high-visibility print and digital marketing campaign taglined ‘Say hello to Health Stores UK’. A striking new Health Stores UK logo completes the brand refresh, and features prominently across the campaign.
Health Stores UK Chairman, Len Glenville, says the NAHS rebrand was a key recommendation of a recent survey that looked at ways the organisation can promote independent health food retail most effectively in future years, whilst at the same time growing its membership and influence with key stakeholders.
“The NAHS has a proud history spanning nine decades and has played a central role in the growth and development of the health food trade over that time. So the decision to change the organisation’s name hasn’t been taken lightly. We believe that our new name – Health Stores UK – encapsulates the ambitious, forward-looking retailer organisation we are and is much more likely to grab the attention of key audiences. Having a shorter, more recognisable name will also help the Association communicate with consumer audiences more effectively. As we move forward with the Healthydoesit initiative, we see some really exciting opportunities for health food retailers to engage directly with consumers using this powerful new platform.
Deputy Chair, Melanie Beard, added: “We hope that the bold changes we are making will re-invigorate the Association, inspire more retailers to join us and create a more powerful voice for independent natural products retailers.”
Welcoming the developments, Cheryl Thallon, Health Stores UK Committee member and co-owner of Sheaf Street Health Store, said: “Increasing footfall in independent health food stores is a top priority for the NAHS, and the evolution to Health Stores UK enables the Association to create proactive campaigns that clearly communicate our sector’s benefits to the public. Health Stores UK is keen to represent ALL independent health food stores and include everyone in this strategic promotional activity.”
A huge asset to the industry
NAHS Committee member, and owner of Amaranth Wellbeing, Joanne Hill, added: “These are such exciting times for the NAHS and the independent health store industry. Over the last few years, a very active committee of health store owners have been working hard on ways to support and promote independent health stores and bring store owners together. The association is a huge asset to our industry, and I’d love all stores to be a part of it. I am delighted that the new name and refreshed branding will enable independent health stores to be recognised by both the industry and consumers. We know that there are challenges in the industry at the moment, but working together, sharing ideas and reaching new customers is the best way for us all to thrive in the industry we are all so passionate about.”
Commenting on the timely handover of the HealthyDoesIt website and brand, the HFMA’s Executive Director, Graham Keen, said: “We’re thrilled that HealthyDoesIt, an initiative set up during lockdown to support health store retailers, is now under the ownership of the NAHS – now Health Stores UK. The HFMA are confident that the NAHS team will take the initiative to the next level and build an even greater connection between consumers and their local health store, which is exactly what HealthyDoesIt was purposed for.
“We would like to thank our members, experts and everyone involved that helped build and help shape Healthydoesit into something we can proudly pass on to the safe and capable hands of the NAHS. We wish them every success with HealthyDoesIt.
Dr Marilyn Glenville, Britain’s leading nutritionist specialising in women’s health, has been a prominent member of the Healthydoesit Expert Panel since the launch of the initiative. She said: “HealthyDoesIt has quickly established itself as a valuable educational resource on all aspects of natural health. It is a great way to help consumers make informed choices about natural health products and, more crucially, to guide them towards their local health store.”