Health Stores UK, the leading organisation representing independent health food retailers nationwide, says the UK needs more health stores on the front line and is encouraging aspiring ‘healthpreneurs ’ to open their own.
Health Stores UK explains that the UK is suffering a triple-epidemic of cardiovascular disease, obesity and mental poor health. The new campaign calls on aspiring ‘healthpreneurs ’- entrepreneurs with a passion for health and wellness – to consider opening their own health store to help address these life-threatening conditions and more. The new ‘Let Us Help You Open Your Own Health Store ’campaign is part of a wider mission to increase nationwide access to healthier food and nutrition choices in an environment that is caring and supportive.
“We want to see a thriving independent health store in every town in the UK to bring greater health and happiness to High Streets where there is little or no access to lifestyle advice and support,” says Health Stores UK committee member and health store owner, Cheryl Thallon. She continues: “A good independent health food store is the hub of the local community, sharing healthy lifestyle advice. The health store sector offers a great opportunity for those with a passion for all things healthy to create a successful business in their town. Opening a health store is an important service to your community, and is also an opportunity to own your own business in this growing sector.”
The campaign launched with a series of reels fronted by Thallon and Health Stores UK’s head of business development, Dave Christie. These reels, running across social media are carefully targeted at towns and regions currently underserved by health stores. Research by the association found that there are 450 towns across the UK with a population of over 15,000, currently without an independent health store.
To help aspiring new health store owners kick-start their venture, Health Stores UK has published an information-packed 200+ page book called How to Open & Run a Successful Health Store. Authored by Thallon, the book draws on her 40 years ’experience in the health food trade but also incorporates insights and practical tips from 12 other successful health store business owners.
Commenting on the campaign launch, Health Stores UK chair, Len Glenville said: “Health Stores UK is an established trade association representing the views, and meeting the needs, of our members. We have a wealth of knowledge and a team of experienced retailers waiting to advise potential new recruits who join the army of health store owners across the UK. These stores are helping to battle the growing health crisis, and meet the demands of the public who are increasingly turning to us for help.”
Health Stores UK patron Viridian Nutrition, a long-time champion of independent health stores, is the sponsor of the current campaign.
For more information about the campaign and Health Stores UK, please contact Dave Christie at [email protected]
