Western Grocer Serving the industry since 1916
Retail success in 2026 will belong to those who plan earlier, think differently, and stay deeply connected to how shoppers are evolving. As wellness continues to expand beyond product claims and into lived experience, retailers are being asked to rethink not just what they stock—but how they inspire, support, and reward their shoppers. CHFA NOW Vancouver, taking place February 20–22 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, is designed to help retailers do exactly that.
This year’s event delivers more than product discovery. It offers retailers early access to trends, practical tools for buying and merchandising, and exclusive experiences that support smarter decision-making across the year ahead. New for 2026, CHFA NOW Vancouver introduces Deck the Aisles, a show-floor activation created specifically to help retailers plan ahead for one of their most important retail moments: the holiday season.
Developed in partnership with Hive Retail Solutions, Deck the Aisles gives retailers a first look at Holiday 2026—well ahead of traditional buying cycles. The activation offers inspiration and insight into seasonal product opportunities and merchandising strategies that can drive engagement, increase basket size, and differentiate on shelf during a highly competitive period. By previewing what’s coming next, retailers can approach prebooks with greater confidence and clarity, rather than reacting after decisions are already made.
To add even more value, retailers who participate in Deck the Aisles will have the chance to win a $500 prize pack, including product and merchandising services from Hive Retail Solutions—making this activation as practical as it is inspiring.
Beyond the show floor, CHFA NOW Vancouver also delivers retailer-exclusive education designed to connect trends directly to buying behaviour. On Saturday morning, retailers are invited to attend a dedicated session available only to retail attendees—an opportunity to step away from the bustle of the floor and focus on what’s shaping the wellness basket today and tomorrow.
Wellness shopping in 2026 is driven less by products and more by how shoppers want to feel. As expectations shift, purchasing decisions are increasingly guided by emotional outcomes such as calm, capability, and reward, rather than by traditional categories or claims. This exclusive session explores the key wellness trends shaping retail through a shopper-led lens, helping retailers better understand what motivates purchasing decisions and how buying behaviour is evolving across categories.
The session includes coffee and breakfast, and the first 100 retailers will receive a gift bag. Seating is first-come, first-served, and breakfast service ends 30 minutes after the session start time—so arriving early is strongly encouraged. Sponsored by Indigo and Bob’s Red Mill, the session offers retailers a valuable blend of insight, hospitality, and exclusivity.
Together, these experiences reflect the broader value of CHFA NOW Vancouver. Over three days, retailers can connect directly with hundreds of brands, distributors, and service providers across natural, organic, specialty, and wellness categories. It’s an efficient, high-impact environment to discover new products, assess innovation, strengthen relationships, and gather insights that inform both near-term buying decisions and long-term strategy.
Just as important is the energy of the event itself. CHFA NOW Vancouver brings together a community focused on growth, collaboration, and the future of wellness retail in Canada. The conversations that happen on the show floor—often unexpected, always relevant—are where new ideas and partnerships take shape.
For retailers looking to stay ahead of shifting shopper expectations, seasonal planning cycles, and category evolution, CHFA NOW Vancouver offers a concentrated opportunity to plan smarter and think bigger.
Retailers can register onsite from February 20–22 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Proof of industry involvement is required. Learn more at chfanow.ca.
