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07/27/2007: "Elephant Pharm"
This week I drove by the old closed down grocery store in Walnut Creek at the corner of California and Newell. I was really excited to see that the building will now house a Trader Joes’ and an Elephant Pharm. I realize that a lot of readers of this blog are nowhere near Walnut Creek, but yesterday’s business section of the Times notes that Elephant Pharm is planning on eventual expansion throughout California and the US.
Elephant Pharm pharmacy first opened in Berkeley in 2002. It now has three other stores in various Bay Area locations. “It was created to offer health-conscious consumers a health- and wellness-minded product selection, superior customer service, and easy access to information through a free customer education program.” Besides filling regular drug prescriptions they have a huge selection of alternative remedies, natural body care and cosmetics, natural foods and wines, high-quality vitamins and supplements, yoga and Pilates gear, fair trade-certified goods from around the world, and myriad products that complement a healthy lifestyle.
What is exciting is that its focus is on health and alternative therapies. Other drug stores have only just dabbled in healthy alternative remedies while still selling Coca Cola, cheese wiz and other processed foods. Which seems like a contradiction to me. There are no education programs or even advice that steers you towards anything but the traditional. Where as Elephant, “offers free consultations daily with a rotating staff of local health practitioners including registered nurses, naturopathic and ayurvedic doctors, herbalists and homeopaths.” The store even has a classroom that presents close to 80 classes a month on health and wellness.
Looking forward to the opening of this new store and ready to support their approach.