Local Survivors: Connecticut’s Independent Pharmacies

Just before the pandemic hit, I took a ride into Manhattan to go see a concert. On the walk to the venue, I thought to myself, wow, Duane Reade/Walgreens must own 1/4 of New York City. It seemed that one of their pharmacies was on every corner.

It's not that bad here in Connecticut, but you might have a hard time finding a pharmacy that isn't CVS, Rite Aid, or Walgreens. Not that I have anything against the major chains either, two of my very dear friends Rob and Ryan are CVS employees, and they are treated well.

Mrs. Large underwent a minor medical procedure at Waterbury Hospital recently, and in the pre-op instructions, she was told to pick up some medication from Bunker Hill Pharmacy in Waterbury.

I respected that Waterbury Hospital directed patients to a locally-owned business, rather than a chain. It started me thinking, are there many pharmacies around Connecticut that aren't CVS, Rite Aid, or Walgreens? Honestly, not too many, but there are a few, and if you'd like to NOT earn Extrabucks, or feed the corporate machine. Walmart, Target, Stop & Shop, and Big Y supermarkets, just to name a few, also offered competition to the independent pharmacy.

Help them survive, here are a few locally-owned pharmacies that are in operation around the Nutmeg State