Regional Rx Report

BOULDER, Colo. Pharmaca chain added five stores in 2007 and plans to open at least seven new locations in 2008.—Showing there’s room for niche players in traditional pharmacy, the 18-store

“Pharmaca experienced an almost 40 percent growth in 2007, giving the company 18 stores in five states,” said chief executive officer Barry Perzow. “We plan to continue expanding into existing markets in the coming year, and by next summer there will be 25 Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacies available for customers.”

Perzow said the chain plans to open stores this year in Monterey, Oakland, Los Angeles and Menlo Park, Calif., as well as Seattle, through a mix of new stores and acquisitions.

Pharmaca also is launching a magazine this year with custom publisher Active Interest. Feel Better magazine will launch in March with a base of 80,000 copies and will be available in all Pharmaca stores. The magazine will feature stories about new trends in alternative medicines and treatments and the latest in all-natural products and gifts.