Pharmaca Opens In Los Gatos

By Chris Wiley

Los Gatos is ready to welcome a new kind of pharmacy to the downtown neighborhood. Pharmaca, an "integrative pharmacy" at 54 N. Santa Cruz Ave., will have its grand opening be on Saturday Nov. 10.

As these advance photographs show, the pharmacy will offer vitamins, spa and beauty needs, many natural medicines, healthy snacks, as well as, a pharmacy to fill your prescription needs. They also have a reference library and tea room. There is a very energetic staff to give you expert advice.

Everyone is just full of energy. One may feel as if they are visiting a European wellness shop. Pharmaca aims to reinvent the neighborhood pharmacy.

The grand opening weekend will include free samples, chair massages, health screening, a raffle and a gift with a purchase of $50 or more.

"We are excited to extend our refreshingly customer-focused approach to health care to the Los Gatos community," founder and CEO Barry Perzow is quoted in a press release. Pharmaca has "revolutionized the concept of pharmacy" by combining traditional medicine with Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). consultations on drug/herb interactions and drug-induced nutrient depletions.

Pharmaca, founded in June 2000 and based in Boulder, CO, operates 18 stores nationwide, including 6 other Bay Area locations.

Photographs by Chris Wiley