Natural & Organic Products Europe has announced a new initiative to help reward and celebrate the work that independent health stores do for communities around the country.
Sunday 16th April (the first day of the show) will be known as ‘Independent Day’ at Natural & Organic Products Europe – the leading business event for natural and sustainable products. Supporting independent retailers since 1997, this day will offer a carefully curated programme, plus exclusive rewards and benefits for independent retail professionals who attend the show.
Carol Dunning, Event Director of Natural & Organic Products Europe comments “We recognise that Independents are the pioneering backbone of the UK’s health and food industry, but they have experienced some of the most challenging trading conditions in recent years. Sunday has always been our day for Independents at Natural & Organic Products Europe, so we’re excited to make ‘Independent Day’ official by offering some exciting initiatives for the industry. This includes subsidised travel to NOPEX, exclusive on-site only discounts and offers, top retail experts seminar sessions, 1-2-1 expert retail advice, a personal invitation to our awards and show party, and much more.”
She continues: “This is our biggest programme to date to support the UK’s incredible independent retail sector. And there has never been a more important time than now. We want this to be the most important investment retailers make into the success of their store this year, providing insight, inspiration and real-life, tangible ideas to take back and implement in businesses. It’s all about YOU!”
As well as special show offers, discounted travel, hundreds of unique brands, and entry into the Independent Retailer of the Year award, the Sunday is packed full of inspirational sessions. From understanding consumer habits to implementing in-store branding, these talks promise to arm independent retailers with an effective sales growth strategy for 2023.
Here are a few sessions confirmed in the Natural TALKS Theatre:
Designing for a natural consumer
A career designer and entrepreneur, David Worthington is former chairman of Holmes & Marchant and managing director of the Conran Design Group, where his clients included Sainsbury’s, First Choice and Nationwide Building Society.
In an exclusive session, David Worthington will cover how independent retailers can take advantage of design and branding and how they can apply it to their own stores. Areas covered will include shop frontage, windows and layouts, and instore and online communications – essential for the smaller operator to face up to larger competitors.
How to create the go-to destination for health & wellbeing
Successful entrepreneur, award winning business mentor and consultant Karen Green will discuss 7 easy ways to bring in new customers and encourage existing ones to buy more on every visit and keep them coming back for more. From keeping on top of new trends, optimising the hybrid online/instore opportunity to collaborating with other local businesses.
Natural Products News, Health Food Retailing Survey 2022
Health Check is back with its annual survey, as Natural Products News (NPN) seeks to find out how independent retailers have fared during the past year, providing important insights and a snapshot of the industry.
What does the public really think of indie health food stores?
Presented by Cheryl Thallon, Founder & MD at Viridian Nutrition and co-owner of Sheaf Street Health Store, this session will explore the questions: What percentage of the public are super-users of indie health food stores? And why don’t some people choose to shop with us? How can you convert store ‘users’ into ‘super-users’, and how can you reduce alienation of the detractors? Thallon will also present key learnings from the first-ever ‘Viridian Independent Health Store Survey 2023’ exclusively at the show.
PANEL SESSION: Did you know you can save the planet? How to let customers know the difference that they can make.
This exciting panel session will explore how brands and retailers can really engage with customers in areas where they typically pay less attention, but as an industry can have a greater impact. Al Overton from Wonderland Ventures will host the session, and will be joined by industry professionals Sophie Davies, Senior Fresh Foods Buyer at Plant Organic; Phil Haughton, founder of Better Food; and Nick Saltmarsh, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Hodmedods.
This is only a handful of sessions to explore on Independent Day at Natural & Organic Products Europe. The full schedule will be announced soon.
NEW! Independent Retailers Club
Independents joining the initiative will also receive a free membership to the new Independent Retailers Club. Being part of the club provides members with all year-round continued support which will include:
- FREE copy of Natural Products magazine, UK’s leading trade magazine
- FREE access to webinars with Retailing Experts
- EXCLUSIVE product deals emailed directly to your inbox
The industry including associations like Health Stores UK have voiced their appreciation for the initiative, particularly for their members during turbulent times.
Len Glenville, Joint-chair, Health Stores UK says: “We are delighted to hear about Independent Day initiative being launched this year at Natural & Organic Products Europe. NOPEX has put together a fantastic package of benefits to ensure that independent health food retailers can really maximise the business benefits of their visit and enjoy catching up with friends and colleagues at the evening drinks and awards event. The help with travel costs being offered to Health Stores UK members is very warmly welcomed, especially at this time. NOPEX is always great place to discover new products, get exclusive deals and learn from the retail and industry experts. We’re all looking forward to it!
Jim Manson, editor and founder, Natural Newsdesk says: “I’ve attended every NOPEX for the last 20 years there’s something I’ve noticed about retailers who are the most regular and consistent attendees. In short, it’s the strongest performing, most successful independent stores who you can rely on to show up every single every year. Are the two things related? I’ll leave that for others to consider. But let’s just say that, each year, some of the busiest people in the trade make a business calculation that attending the show is time well spent, for themselves and their teams. Of course, it’s more than just about discovering new products and getting exclusive deals – it’s about participating, getting involved in our industry. And I think that’s incredibly important. So, my advice to independent retailers everywhere is this: Take part. Get yourself and your team along to ExCeL – you’ll be doing your business – and the whole industry – a big favour.”
The day comes at a perfect time for Independents across the UK to come together in one place, network and take back helpful learnings to support business growth. For more information, please visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk/independentday.
Please note, there is limited availability for travel reimbursements and full terms and conditions apply.
The post Natural & Organic Products Europe 2023 launches major new initiative for independent retailers appeared first on Natural Products Europe.
Mar 20, 2023