Green’s Nutrition
(Stockton, CA)

Green’s Nutrition in California has been open for 25 years—Eunice Green, NHD, the store’s sole proprietor—noted that up until 2010, its location was in a 1,000-square-foot space on Waterloo Road in Stockton, CA. At that point, she made the shift to Pacific Avenue in Stockton’s historic Miracle Mile shopping district, a space that is four times the size of the original store at 4,000 square feet.

However, it wasn’t just the larger store footprint that made a statement, there’s also a historical feature of the space that sets the store apart. The building was once a bank and still contains a large vault. But now it’s not money that’s stashed inside—the chamber has been transformed into the “Herb Vault,” which has become a popular staple in the community.

“We carry over 600 bulk herbs that can be purchased by the ounce,” Green said. “It is a big draw, as not many stores do this anymore. We also teach herb classes too, as many people that have an interest but aren’t sure how, what, etc.”

While the retailer’s new space proved to be an attraction, changing locations wasn’t easy.

“The biggest challenge was making the move and filling up the new space with inventory,” Green said. “Another challenge is change—a lot has changed in the last 25 years, and it is important to reinvent at times.”

A Look Inside

Green’s Nutrition’s retail space can be broken down into the following categories:

• 30 percent supplements
• 25 percent bulk herbs
• 15 percent crystals & healing stones
• 15 percent body and skincare
• 10 percent groceries
• 5 percent essential oils

On its website, Greensnutritionstockton.com, the retailer noted that in regard to herbal blends, these are intended to offer “optimum nourishment and are all prepared by hand, carefully blended and packed in loose form to ensure great quality. Herbs contain powerful ingredients that, when used correctly, can give the body what it needs to heal itself.

“The main purpose is to put the body back into homeostasis—balance. Herbs have been used for centuries, and ancient cultures had no idea why they worked, but they knew that certain herbs produced specific results.”

Favorite Brands

When it comes to suppliers, NOW is one of the retailer’s favorites, which Green describes as “well priced”—the retailer sells many of its lines but said that its essential oils are a huge seller.

EuroPharma, who manufactures the Terry Naturally brand of products, is also popular, including Curamin for pain management and Sucontral D for diabetics.

Customers not only have reported good results, but the company has been “awesome” at providing effective marketing materials.

As for competitors, there is another health food store in town, Green said, but she does not consider it to be competition. Rather, it carries different products and lines, so she often sends customers back and forth. Despite this, it does not mean Green’s Nutrition’s employees’ knowledge and helpfulness should go unnoticed.

Assisting the Homeless

Along with helping customers with nutritional guidance, Green extends her compassion to others in the community. She noted that her favorite charity is called Showered With Love (SWL), a local non-profit organization that runs a mobile shower unit for the homeless. Four days a week, the van travels to different locations, providing those in need with the opportunity to take a hot shower in a safe environment, she explained.

On its website, SWL noted that it is fully committed to:

• A three-stall mobile shower servicing the Stockton and Lodi community
• Provide a safe and dignified shower experience for its homeless and at-risk communities and families
• Socks, underwear and hygiene kits for all showering guests
• All necessary hygiene and supplies for showering
• Two shaving stations
• Strict safety standards
• Community resource connections

On her end, Green assists with collecting underwear, socks, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant. She also collects monetary donations and is in the process of planning a fundraiser day in the coming months.

In the meantime, throughout the COVID-19 quarantine, Green’s Nutrition remained open, offering delivery and curbside pickup to serve its community. VR