Pharmaca continues to expand its wellness-pharmacy fusion

BOULDER, Colo. — Now 10 years operating its unique footprint in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy has been revving its growth engine lately. Pharmaca is targeting three new store openings in 2011, and between three and six new stores each year through 2015 — a pace that would put the chain at 44 locations in time for its 15th anniversary. “We will be expanding outside of the states in which we currently operate in the future,” said Mark Panzer, Pharmaca president and CEO.


In November, Pharmaca unveiled its latest store design in Menlo Park, Calif. That new store refreshes the concept that has propelled Pharmaca’s success in the past decade — a melding of Eastern and Western wellness philosophies with actual licensed healthcare professionals on hand to answer any questions. Last year that formula helped increase sales by 9% to $88 million.


Even Pharmaca’s senior management team hails from opposite ends of the retail spectrum. Chairman Barry Perzow operated Capers Natural Food Markets before founding Pharmaca, and VP marketing/innovation Laura Coblentz came to Pharmaca by way of Whole Foods. Panzer was recruited to Pharmaca from Rite Aid, and David Janowicz, VP merchandising, is a Supervalu vet.