This month for Boody’s Shop Local series we are featuring our long-time retailer, Pharmaca. Pharmaca is an integrative pharmacy with 29 locations across the United States, with a large focus on the western states. Their stores are beautifully designed with a focus on health & wellness.
We had the opportunity to chat with Pharmaca’s Senior Communications Manager, Tiffany, and Sarah who is Pharmaca’s Lifestyle Category Manager, about the Pharmaca brand and their relationship with Boody.
How & when did Pharmaca begin and how has it evolved/grown since then?
Tiffany: Pharmaca started in Boulder, Colo. in 2000 with the goal of creating a better kind of pharmacy experience. Over the last two decades, we’ve grown to 29 stores, mostly in western states, all based on a model of superior customer service and an expert wellness team—meaning the stores are staffed with practitioners like naturopaths, herbalists, nutritionists, etc., in addition to our pharmacists. So a customer can walk in any time and get professional guidance on everything we carry, from over-the-counter medicines to herbal remedies to homeopathic medicines. It’s a really unique experience!
In the past few years, we’ve also grown our online business substantially, pairing a similar product selection of natural and organic health, beauty and lifestyle items with a robust educational platform that allows us to showcase our practitioners’ expertise. In this way we’re able to help people outside of our store markets experience the Pharmaca model.
How important is healthy living, and environmental sustainability to your business?
Tiffany: The business was founded on the concept that healthy living and a healthy environment go hand-in-hand. We want to help our customers choose the healthiest choices for them and their families, from the vitamins they take to the types of cleaning products they use. That’s why we’ve focused on carefully curating a collection of products from companies (like Boody!) that offer clean, green, sustainable options for our customers. We’ve also always made sure our stores are outfitted with eco-friendly materials like bamboo flooring, carpet made from recycled material and energy-efficient lighting.
How would you suggest all of us make changes to live healthier and more eco-friendly lives?
TP: Choosing healthy products from companies focused on sustainability is key. We love that our so many of our brands are so transparent—so you can see where they get their ingredients and materials and make decisions accordingly. And as most of our practitioners would tell you, eat lots of veggies, get your exercise and supplement your diet with any nutrients you might be deficient in. Ultimately the goal is to prevent illness before it happens.
Pharmaca has been selling Boody since the beginning of 2015. Why did you choose to bring us in?
Sarah: It’s such a unique line, and we love that Boody is so focused on sustainable sourcing. So many of our customers are really active, so the Activewear line is ideal for them. It’s a perfect fit for the Pharmaca customer!
Here at Boody, we feel proud to supply our line to Pharmaca. What are your top sellers there? Do you have any top picks from the Boody range?
Sarah: The black bikini undies are a big seller. They’re obviously a great closet staple! My personal favorites are the tanks and long-sleeve t-shirts. They’re so soft and feel so good when you’re wearing them.
What are your plans for the future of Pharmaca? Anything exciting in the pipeline?
Tiffany: We’re continuing to explore new potential store locations and expand our pharmacy offerings. There’s always something new on the horizon.
What's your favorite part about Pharmaca?
Tiffany: I love the Pharmaca model and was a customer long before I started here. It’s so great to be able to go into the stores and talk to real experts and get their advice. And of course, the selection of natural products can’t be beat.
