Update: April 5th, 2020

Hi everyone!

Thank you much for your patience, understanding, and notes of support when we closed our Porter Square location for phone orders last week. We are very happy to let you know that the person in contact with our employee tested negative for Covid-19 - and, our employee (and their housemate) are still quarantining at home out of an abundance of caution. We will continue to follow the safest protocols at the stores - including the addition of masks we received this week (and hopefully more on the way soon, from a wonderful company in Nashville, Elizabeth Suzann).

Our Porter Square and Boston Landing stores will be open this week for phone orders for curbside pick up. Our plan is to be open for phone orders from 10:30am - 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Of course we will update you if anything changes.

As you know, we only have a few incoming phone lines at each store and a very limited team - so we created a simple Call-Back Form with all the necessary information we need, to add you to our queue. Please fill out the form here if you would like a call-back.

As well, we are still open for Mercato delivery orders.

And, because we had to close Porter Square a bit early last week - we’re extending our 25% Off All Face Care Sale through this Saturday 4/5/2020! All the same restrictions apply (while supplies last, in-stock items only, no returns).

Stay tuned for other fun sales we plan to introduce this week. And thank you, as always, for supporting us during this uncertain time!

Important Update: April 2nd, 2020

Hello everyone,

On Wednesday night, we learned that someone in the household of one of our team members at Porter Square was experiencing symptoms similar to those of Covid-19. This housemate has not yet been tested (it could be a cold, or the flu) and to be clear, our CN team member has not experienced any symptoms. However, out of an abundance of caution - we asked this team member to stay home. Other CN team members at Porter Square also elected to stay home.

A few of our Porter Sq team elected to go in today - to receive our deliveries, finish processing phone and email orders, working at a very safe distance from each other and continuing to administer all the best sanitary protocols we’ve been taught (gloves, hand washing, sanitizer, cleaning surfaces, wearing our new cloth masks, etc).

To be very clear - not a single member of our working teams has been in contact with anyone tested to have Covid-19, nor has any single team member exhibited symptoms related to the virus. 

However, this incident of potential close contact with a symptomatic person concerns us - and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to close our Porter Square location and take no more phone orders through the weekend. All previously placed phone orders at Porter Square must be picked up by 6pm today (or wait till next week).

When we began this process more than two weeks ago, we completely separated our two small teams. The team at Boston Landing has had no contact with the team at Porter Square. Therefore, Boston Landing will remain open through the weekend, for phone (pick-up) and Mercato (delivery) orders. 

We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers. Our business does not exist without your support, and this temporary closing will certainly have a substantial impact. Already, our sales are down over 60% since we switched to phone orders. We don’t know if we’re being smart by closing Porter Square for the weekend, or over-reactive. And, no business is worth risking the lives of its team - certainly not one that puts health and wellness at the forefront of everything it stands for. 

We will evaluate over the weekend as we learn more, and we promise to be in touch with you. In the meantime, if you wish to, you are welcome to shop via phone order at Boston Landing (617-208-8881) or via Mercato’s delivery service, or place a gift card order. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your on-going support.

A Rejuvenating Morning Ritual Amidst This Chaotic Time

By Courtney, CN Events and Marketing Coordinator

Inspired by Lauren’s lovely evening routine, I’m here to share a few simple steps I take each morning to ensure a version of centered-ness during this rocky time.

Some Kind of Movement

Even if I don’t really want to, even if it feels hard, movement in the morning has been keeping my slightly sane (read: not in fight-or-flight 24/7) during these past two weeks. Luckily the sunshine has been out, and a walk around the block feels easier. Getting a little bit of a sweat going has helped shake out any anxious feelings that like to linger in the morning.

Supplements for Smooth Sailing

I have a few supplements I like to take each morning, and right now I’m being extra consistent with them! Gut health is super important to me, and I LOVE Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic. It’s a potent blend of fermented foods and taking one soft gel feels like eating a whole jar of kimchi—in the best way possible!! Secondly, Host Defense Mycommunity Comprehensive Immune Support has been a new one for me this season. Offering a myriad of magical medicinal mushrooms, this little tincture is a blast of earthy, immune-supporting goodness.

Moisture! Inside and Outside!

Outside, in the form of: Ursa Major Vital Spring Lotion, Ursa Major Deodorant (#locallove) Nova Scotia Fisherman’s lotion (made with seaweed!), and Heart Grown Wild Hydrosol (#morelocallove). Inside, in the form of lots of Superieur Electrolyte-infused water. These electrolytes make me feel so so hydrated and replenished after bouts of exercise and/or crying : )…anyone else been having daily tears…? Well, that means your minerals need replenishing! Electrolytes and epsom salt baths are your new friends.

Nourishing Nutrients

Personally, stressful times can feel so draining that basic self-care can seem daunting. Over the years, I’ve realized that if I want to set myself up for success (or at least just a decent day), nutrients need to be a top priority for me. I’ve been packing my plates with lots of greens, and lately, dousing my eggs with Hosta Hill fermented hot sauce because a) spicy! and b) more fermented goodness. So good.

Anyone else have some morning routine tips they swear by? If any of the products mentioned above seem up your alley, give us a call (617.492.4452 for Porter or 617.208.8881 for Brighton) and we can put together an order for you!

A Relaxing Evening Routine Amidst This Chaotic Time

By Lauren, CN Manager

When things feel up in the air, I find it reassuring to have a grounding routine to look forward to each evening. Here is my four part pre-bed ritual I have been doing to help me unwind. I hope it can inspire you to create one too!

To Take:

I keep my supplement regimen pretty simple, but I always include something to help me feel balanced. Right now I am really enjoying the Trace Minerals Magnesium Gummies and the Lavender Glycerite by Avena Botanicals.

To Do:

Next up, I roll out my mat and delight in some ooey gooey stretching. To give my muscles an extra special attention I use the Relaxus Flexi Tapper (the best $4 I ever spent!). 

To Soak:

Being from the west coast, I have always found the water to be calming and rejuvenating. For two reasons (1. Brrrr! and 2. Doing my part to social distance) I cannot quite take a dip in the ocean right now. Instead, I have been filling up my tub with Life Flo Magnesium Flakes and Carina Organics Lavender Bubble Bath. Looking at my supplements of choice, there is a definite theme going on here: muscle and stress support in a variety of ways to holistically address well-being.

To Snack:

It is not a bath without a treat! I like to create a small platter for myself that balances flavor with nutrients to enjoy during my soak. My go-to spread features fresh chopped fruit and veggies, Mary's Gone Crackers with Neighborly Farms of Vermont cheese, and some pieces of Hu chocolate. 

Wow! Just typing this all up has me psyched for tonight. If you need some of this R&R in your life give one of our stores a call: 617-492-4452 for Porter and 617-208-8881 for Brighton. We’re open at 10am - 6pm Monday - Saturday and we would be more than happy to gather some of these things (or whatever self-care items suit your needs) for your own restorative evenings.

May we be happy and healthy! ~ Lauren

Opening this week for phone + web orders!

Update - Yes, we are an essential business! We reviewed the directive by Governor Baker, and as a grocery retailer we qualify to stay “open” - see details below about our curbside pick up and delivery options.

Can’t reach us via phone? Send us an email to info@cambridgenaturals.com with your phone number, preferred store, and any necessary notes. We’ll add you to a queue and call you back!

Hello everyone,

Thank you for the incredible outpouring of love and support you sent us this week via emails, Instagram comments, gift card orders, Mercato orders, and phone calls. It has truly kept us going in this strange and uncertain time!

Tomorrow (Tuesday) we are “open” for business - phone orders and web orders only.

Here’s how it will work - we hope to learn quickly from this process and adjust as needed:

• From 10:30am - 5:30pm, we will be taking phone orders at both stores, for pick up at the door. 617-492-4452 for Porter Square and 617-208-8881 for Brighton. The last pick up of the day must be made by 6pm.

• We will take your credit card information over the phone and process the payment. We will need to see your card in person when you come to the door - show us the card so we can confirm it matches the name and last four digits.

• No worries if you can’t come pick up that day! Once it’s paid for, we’ll have it ready for you to pick up during the week (Tuesday - Saturday). The items are yours, so you won’t have to worry about them going out of stock.

• Order for delivery can be placed through Mercato. Please note that we don’t have our full inventory online, and our inventory syncs with Mercato’s twice per day, so there are some hiccups in the process. If we can’t locate the item you ordered, we can call you to suggest a replacement, or take that item out of your order. (Please note that our monthly sale only applies to phone orders - because Mercato takes a cut, our margin is already slim with those items.)

• We can also add to your Mercato order with items that aren’t online but are in store at Brighton. We can charge you over the phone and add them to your existing Mercato bag! If you can’t find an item in the Mercato inventory, please call us and we can help figure it out with you. 

• Our stock is a little low on some things - so if we don’t have exactly what you need, we’d be very happy to make a suggestion for an alternate (but equally wonderful) item.

• We have a LOT of some items - like delicious and nutritious Cambridge Naturals Brand nuts + snacks! We’re running a special 20% off sale for all phone orders of CN brand nuts. Ask us for our faves.

• We’re still working on our fancy shmancy web store for shipping items via UPS/USPS - stay tuned for that.

• We plan to be ‘open’ Tuesday - Saturday of this week, and then closed Sunday/Monday. We’ll keep you posted as we go!

• And!!! For all phone orders / curb-side pick up over $100, we’re offering a FREE CN ceramic mug, travel mug, blender bottle, or tote bag! While supplies last - please mention it over the phone to get one.

Our small teams are excited to help you find what you’re looking for, and offer the type of customer service you experience in our stores! Need some face care guidance? Ask us! Want us to choose our top three favorite chocolate bars for you? Ask us! Curious which items we’re taking for immune support? Please ask! We’ll also be providing ideas on our Instagram page and stories.

And, this is a totally new process for us and we’re a bit nervous about how we’ll pull it all off. Will our phone ring off the hook? Or, the perpetual fear of any small business - will anyone actually call?! Only time will tell! We’re going to try to enter this week with as much joy and optimism as possible.

Thank you for all your patience with us as we took the last few days to rest, breathe, and stock the shelves. We’ll see you on Tuesday!

Updates: March 20, 2020

Hello everyone,

We hope that wherever you are, you’re doing okay and taking deep breaths. Thank you for all your notes of support over the last few days, they have meant the world to us.

As you know, we have been working hard to “re-open” in a manner that feels safe, healthy, and sustainable. This has become increasingly challenging to plan for - in part due to the failure of our government to proactively ramp-up testing and develop a more robust social safety net. In California, they’ve just ordered “shelter in place”, New York is not far behind - will Massachusetts be next? And what is our responsibility as a business, to help prevent unnecessary exposure by limiting our operations? There are no clear answers. 

Two weeks ago, our leadership literally sat down in a coffee shop to make beautiful plans for our business’s future, writing down ideas like “paid professional development” and “paid volunteer time” and “robust events series”. Right now, our focus is on the survival of our company. 

For next week:

• We plan to “open” with a small crew Tuesday - Saturday at both stores 10am - 6pm for phone orders / web orders / local deliveries / curbside pick-up - ONLY.

• (Mercato orders will also be delivered on Monday 3/23, we’re putting them together for you this week - feel free to place your order in advance).

• This means we’re not yet allowing customers into the store, and will be running with a small team dedicated solely to each store (less exposure).

• We hope to open our doors very soon (perhaps the following week) for appointments and limited walk-ins, in addition to the delivery and curbside pick-up options. 

Yesterday, we made the unbelievably difficult decision to temporarily furlough a portion of our team. We have carefully evaluated every possible option, but ultimately felt we had no other choice, in order for Cambridge Naturals to weather this crisis. I won’t belabor the point, but please know that our entire team is of the utmost importance to us, and it is a small business owner’s worst nightmare, to have to make these calls. 

• Effective immediately, all four owners will completely suspend their salaries.

• Each employee who has been temporarily furloughed will be able to apply, immediately, for unemployment benefits

• All those who are on our health insurance plan will be covered at least through April 30th (we pay 100% of monthly premiums). 

• All were also paid a week’s wages for this week, while the stores were closed. 

It is our greatest hope that we will be able to re-engage every single person, as soon as our business model can stabilize to a point where employing all 35 people is possible once again.

Please stay tuned for further details on how we will “re-open” for business next week. Thank you for your patience with us, as we figure out how to be a brick-and-mortar business that thrives on personal interaction, in a world that won’t allow for that right now.

Thank you, as always, for being our community.

How to not go stir crazy this week!

By Emily Johnston, Customer Service Specialist

Feeling a little bored and cooped up at home? Us too! Here are some of my top ideas for keeping yourself from going stir crazy:

Learn how to knit

Train your cat to fist bump

Make a paper mache bowl

Donate to a food bank - The coronavirus poses an even greater threat to food insecure populations, help your neighbor!

Write a letter to your grandparent or a quarantined friend! (No link, go old school with paper and envelope - but please wash your hands first!)

Go through your bookshelf and donate books to those in incarceration

Read some good news

Watch a documentary

And my personal favorite: Go to the library (virtually!) - download the free app ‘Libby’ and put your library card number in, and have access to your local library’s audio and e-book selection! 

Updates: March 16th 2020

Hello everyone,

Do you feel like you have constant whiplash? Us too.

After agonizing deliberations, we have decided that this week, we will be closed through Sunday, March 22nd. This is an unprecedented move in our 46 years in business.

We are doing this as a proactive measure to keep our staff as healthy as possible - to allow them a week of rest and self-care.

All staff will be paid for the week of missed work - as if it were a normal week. This is a significant financial hit to our business, during a week of no sales, but is an investment we feel is absolutely necessary. Our team are the reason we keep going.

Our Mercato online shop is open today for same-day deliveries picked up by 5pm - and after that it will be closed through Sunday the 22nd. We apologize for any errors in our inventory - the system isn’t totally keeping up with demand.

Next week, we hope to open again, in some format, somehow. We know - and are so grateful that - many of you see us as an “essential business” like other grocery stores and pharmacies. We promise to keep you posted.

We are completely heartbroken. But we believe this is the right thing to do, because the health and well being of our community is everything to us.

If you wish to - no pressure whatsoever - you could consider buying a CN gift card. Link is here. We’ll mail them out early next week, or you can pick up in store as soon as we open again.

Thanks for your love and understanding and please keep checking in with us - we’ll update you as we go forward. ️

Michael, Elizabeth, Emily, Caleb, and the CN team

Updates: March 15th, 2020

Hello everyone,

Some important updates. We’re open today 10am - 6pm (Sunday) at both stores and will limit the number of customers at a time if it gets busy. For our health, and yours.

We’re closed Monday and Tuesday, but will still be fulfilling local delivery orders via Mercato. Link to order is here. We’re doing our part to #flattenthecurve while also recognizing that we play the role of grocery store and natural pharmacy for many of you.

We plan to open on Wednesday at 10am but will likely be scheduling customers via appointment - so you can shop with ease and the maximum of space to roam. More on that to come.

We are also, as of today, not accepting any returns (for refund or store credit) at this time. This for the safety of our staff (in not being asked to touch and examine products that have left our store). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. We strongly encourage you to buy only what you need.

Thanks for your love and understanding and please keep checking in with us - we’ll update you as we go forward. ❤️

Updated Hours + Policies

Some updates from our team!

Hello everyone! We’re sure the rest of Cambrighallstonville is sick of hearing about Covid-19 as much as we are, but we felt it was important to send out some updates to our hours and protocols. These updates will hopefully allow us to keep our doors open as long as possible, while making sure our staff can stay healthy and supported:

1.

In order to support our team, allow for extra rest time in the evenings, and reduce the complexity of our schedule, we are changing our hours, effective tomorrow (Saturday, March 14th).

Both stores will be open: Every Day 10am - 6pm

This is obviously a fluid situation, and we will keep you updated with any changes as they come. Thanks for your patience and understanding as always. We’re so grateful to have you as customers.

2.

We are also encouraging our staff to practice social distancing. Therefore, they will make an effort to stand three feet away from each other and you, for everyone’s safety and peace of mind.

3.

For the time being, we are removing self-serve at the bulk herbs table, as well as our BYO jar policy. Our staff will gladly fill up to 5 herbs (per visit) for you in paper or plastic bags. This will allow us to fulfill orders and ensure the utmost sanitary process. We are also happy to fill your kombucha bottle or growler (no self-serve). Our staff are washing their hands very frequently and we are using cleansing wipes and disinfectant spray. More details will be available via the signage in store.

4.

We reserve the right to refuse entry or service to any customer exhibiting symptoms of a communicable illness. This is for our team’s protection and the rest of our customers. If you are feeling under the weather, please consider ordering from our Same Day Local Delivery portal!

5.

Our Boston Landing store is less crowded - and for once that’s a good thing! If you would like the same friendly, knowledgeable experience and a wide selection of immune products and delicious treats, but with a lot more space to roam freely, stop by 92 Guest Street in Brighton MA.

Thank you for your patience and understanding with us, as we do our best to support our amazing team and stay open to support our customers’ needs.

Can’t make it into our stores? Try our same-day local delivery service via Mercato!