A chain-store folds and a local one emerges
It’s official! Adobe Drugs (taking over the local storefront space on West Napa Street) from Pharmaca is now in business. As reported by the Sonoma Valley Sun, June 1st was the grand opening and as new owner/lead pharmacist Aman Garg said “we are so pleased and grateful to be here!”
Over 400 customers showed up that Wednesday for the very first day and Aman, his wife Pooja and staff were “anxiously busy getting things ready and overjoyed at the same time,” added Garg.
Back in February when Pharmaca’s subsidiary Medly filed bankruptcy and sold off to Walgreens, the future of an independent locally-owned pharmacy was bleak.
Garg and his entire family had to pull together and reassure the landlord/building owner that they could take over where Pharmaca had departed. For more than two months of negotiating Garg and his family were able to establish a contract.
“I know everyone, said Garg. I know the doctors, the hospitals, the vendors and most of all the customers.” “I love Somoma and my family and I are committed to the health and wellbeing of the community.”
Despite the obstacles, Garg didn’t give up. From the onset, Garg and many others saw the rebranding and employee/pharmacist take over as a “no-brainer” and an obvious wise move. Just about everything was already in place. Just restock the shelves, change the signs/logo outside and all is good to go. But the landlord/building owner still had reservations. Preferring to focus on the positive rather than discus too many details, Garg reiterated.
“I simply wanted the quality and the service to continue. And most of all, Sonoma needs and deserves a locally-owned pharmacy,” said Garg. His family, including his extended family agreed and they stood by him. They helped meet the landlord’s request & requirements.
Garg reassured even at the first proposal/meeting with the building owner that everything would be kept the same as before as much as possible. Most of the same staff were eager and willing to return. Paul Clark, licensed herbalist & complimentary medicine consultant, retail/customer service staff Stacey Knego and Natalie Friscia were on board and are now working and pleased that eventually everything came together.
“They empty spots you see on the shelves, said Clark, they will be filled.” With Pharmaca’s departure and demise, so went the extensive array of Pharmaca-brand products. “We will be getting new (high quality) product lines in soon,” added Clark.
Ironically, with all the landlord’s concerns about the ability of the tenants to maintain consistency and continuity, Clark pointed to a sign placed at the entrance as customers walk into the front door.
“This building was always a pharmacy,” said Clark. Originally it was called ‘Adobe Pharmacy & Drug.’ “When we went up to the attic space above the ceiling, we found the original (store window) sign and some display shelves.”
“I think, added Clark, that’s an indication that it was all meant to be.”
Clark and the rest of the staff all mentioned how much they all wanted and worked together to make sure the transition was as seamless as possible. And, yes! The weekly senior discount will continue and be every Tuesday, just as it was when Pharmaca was in business.
The landlord/building owner handed the keys to Garg on April 15. “We have been working nonstop for over 6 weeks to get everything ready,” said wife Pooja.
Like the new sign outside above facing the street says, Adobe Pharmacy is locally owned and locally loved.
“We have been feeling the love from the community, especially all this week and we appreciate it. We are here for you, the community,” she said.
Located at 303 West Napa Street, Adobe Pharmacy & Drugs is open Monday thru Friday 9: AM to 6;00 PM, and open on Saturday 9: AM to 2:00 PM. Closed on Sundays. Call 707-931-4454 for details.