I recently visited Pacific Palisades, California, where my grandparents, uncle, aunt and cousins lived when I was growing up. It’s an even more desirable, upscale area today than it was in the ’50s and ’60s. I remembered that there had always been a drugstore on a main corner in the village. I wasn’t surprised that it had been replaced by a newer drugstore — if you can call it that — named Pharmaca.

When it comes to retail store design, this chic chain has come up with a formula for success. Upon entering, you immediately notice that you can see all the way to the back of the store. That’s because none of the central shelves is higher than eye level. The merchandise is neatly displayed, making it a breeze to find over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and even protein bars. The side-wall shelves reach higher, with product like slippers, canes and other larger items.

Star-like lighting hangs from the ceiling, giving the store an almost ethereal feel. Soothing colors adorn the walls. Eye-pleasing graphics relate everything from the company’s vision statement – “seek knowledge, embrace change, practice wellness, celebrate life” — to brief advice on how to buy items for specific needs. If the goal is to make you feel comfortable while shopping for items often associated with illness, Pharmaca has succeeded. All the design elements blend perfectly in a contemporary setting.

The prescription drug counter is conveniently located near the front of the store. In the back of this Pharmaca, a Wellness Center offers massage and beauty treatments. There’s a tea room and reference library. In-store events are held there, such as “Preventing Travel Sickness” and “Summertime Skin Treatment.” A monthly newsletter is available on the company website, with coupons, product information and helpful hints for customers. Staff members are friendly and knowledgeable, answering some off-the-wall questions I threw at them about store design and merchandising.

I relate all this to you as another example of how to learn from great retail design in your neighborhood. Pharmaca is adding new stores regularly, which tells me that consumers are pleased with what this “drugstore” offers. If there ever was a “destination” drugstore, this is it.

In addition to helping nurture their customers’ minds, bodies and spirits, Pharmaca has gone to great lengths to satisfy their design senses. In wishing you good health, Pharmaca has also wished you a pleasant shopping experience. Study their formula and see if it brings you a healthier bottom line.