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Story and photos by Jonathan Farrell —Paul Clark, longtime store manager of Sonoma’s Pharmaca Pharmacy said he reacted with “shock and awe” at last week’s sudden news that the store would soon close. The parent company of the outlet at 401 West Napa St. was sold to Walgreen’s. The store will close February 25.
“It’s all been whirlwind, a total surprise,” said Clark. “I’m still trying to catch up. But that’s business in corporate America.”
Clark said record sales occurred on Friday of last week. Shelves throughout the store are nearly empty, and all prescriptions have been transferred to Walgreens in Napa. Though there’s no official word from the new owner, it’s unlikely the Sonoma location will reopen as a Walgreen’s.
Up until last week staff at all 22 locations of Pharmaca were told that the slow arrival of inventory was due to shipping delays. Or, as some surmised, a revamping of shipping procedures. In reality the chain was liquidating.
Established in 2000, Pharmaca was a one-of-a-kind pharmacy store. At it’s peak 28 locations throughout the Bay Area and other parts of the country. It’s focus on organic and high-quality health-conscious alternatives to traditional medicines made Pharmaca a favorite.
Back in June of 2021 the Brooklyn, NY based Medly Pharmacy with its eye on digital aspects of business acquired Pharmaca. Richard Willis, CEO of Pharmaca and Dr. Marg Patel, CEO of Medly were “thrilled” to make the announcement of acquisition. But Medly filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December of 2022. Pharmaca was purchased for over $19 million as Walgreens bought out its parent company Medly.
“The pharmacists here wanted to reopen as an independent pharmacy on their own,” said Clark. “But I was told that the owner of the building did not approve and so that won’t be happening,” added Clark. “Our final day here at the Pharmaca in Sonoma will be Feb. 25,” said Clark.
What a shame !!!
I love this location and ALL the employees.
They are going to be missed 💔
absolutely BS on how this all went down. Employees given an hour’s notice, customers told if they happened in on that day. This is all so sad for all involved, so much for our small town pharmacy. sigh. This was handled so poorly, the staff at the very minimum should have been told what was going on. Talked to a clerk who had been hired and working 1 week at Pharmaca when it all came down. Just heartbreaking.
Sounds like a Mattson purchase. Overpay and then leave the property to fester.