What Makes Us Different?

The heritage of Clark's Nutrition & Natural Foods Market can be traced to the early days of ‘mom and pop’ health food stores. Jim Clark, the company's founder, purchased the first Downtown Riverside location in 1972. In those early days, the public often thought of health food stores as a source for date shakes, carrot juice and hippies. As the store began to take flight, Jim, who was gifted in public relations, could be found each day at the counter, drinking coffee and greeting customers with a smile. …

Jim’s son Ray was a Manager at the Colton Smart & Final. Although he had great success as the youngest manager in the company, Ray was ready for a change. One of his S & F customers was Mac Senter, the owner of Mac’s Nutritional Center on “E” Street in San Bernardino, wanted to sell his business to Ray and his wife Carol. The Clark’s were ready! So, in March of 1978 Clark’s Nutritional Center in the city of San Bernardino opened. April 1st was Ray’s first day in the store, but something was very wrong. Alm…

Now a two store chain, Clark’s was also finding its niche in the world of nutrition. They realized that since most people had limited knowledge of nutrition, it would be their aim to help educate their customers. With lectures on nutrition, Clark’s became known for helping people make informed decisions about their health. The two stores focused on in-depth training for their staff about nutrition, rather than just training them to sell. The family was confident that sales would come if they just helped …

In the 1980’s, with the body building phenomenon in full swing, Clark’s helped countless people to tone and build muscle through nutrition and weight training. Clark’s sold 1,000’s of pounds in weights. A large container outside the store was purchased just to hold the weight equipment. People came for miles to purchase what would become known as “sports nutrition” products. With the San Bernardino store finally running well, the Riverside location was experiencing some growing pains of its own. By the…

Late in 1998, Jack Brown, from Stater Bros., contacted the Clarks. Jack told Ray, “I have an offer for a Loma Linda location you can’t refuse.” Although the deal was a good one, the location was currently a Stater’s store, and it was huge; 25,000 square feet! The current Clark‘s was only 5000 square feet. This would be another leap of faith. The family wasn’t sure they could even fill the shelves with enough products; let alone sell enough supplements to pay the bills. Clark’s agreed to Jack Brown’s offer…

With Ray’s son Jeff as President of Clarks, his son Bruce as Vice-President of Business Development, and daughter Tracy taking on the role of CFO, the Clarks were ready in 2005 to build a 26,000 square foot store in Rancho Mirage.The newest store was the largest natural foods market in the Coachella Valley.

In 2013, the desert store brought an unexpected partnership. Actress Suzanne Somers, a long-time customer, approached Clarks to be the exclusive retail partner for her certified organic natural skin care and cosmetics collection. Suzanne was a great addition to the Clark’s family. Clark’s decided to build an upscale cosmetics kiosk in each of their locations. It would be the first of its kind in the country, and would further establish Clark’s as a true pioneer in the natural foods industry.

In 2014, Clarks was approached by Ralphs Supermarket to take over their location in Chino; the largest Clark’s store to date. In fact, you could fit over 10 of the original stores inside the Chino location!