NAHS Becomes Health Stores UK In Major Brand Refresh

NAHS becomes Health Stores UK in major brand refresh

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.

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,” he said.

"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.”

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.”

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).

The NAHS was started in 1931 to represent the growing number of independent health stores in the UK. It is the only organisation in the UK which can claim to speak for such businesses and is run entirely by independent retailers.

Contact Health Stores UK by email at [email protected], or by calling 01875 341 408.