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‘I don’t want Sonoma to be without a local pharmacy’

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Sonoma Valley Sun
By Jonathan Farrell for The Sun —
Pharmacist Aman Garg, formerly of Pharmaca, is not wasting any time to help re-establish a local pharmacy here in Sonoma. The holistic-focused pharmacy closed on February 25, a victim of the bankrupt chain being sold to Walgreen’s. Now, he has ambitions of re-opening the space as an independent retailer.

“I have a business plan put together,” said Garg. “I have the LLC, the business license, initial investment capital funds and I am able to enter into a seven year contract; I just need the space.” To simply take over the building on 303 West Napa Street where Pharmaca operated would make the most logical sense. “Everything structurally is in place, no need to renovate the interior, just rebrand and change the signs out front.” His initial discussions with the landlord — Walgreen’s bought only the prescription list and will not be moving in — is “back and forth.”

“If we can secure a location with a lease agreement, then I can make sure most of all the things that people of Sonoma loved about Pharmaca remain in tact.,” he told The Sun. “Only, it will be with a new name,  independent and fully locally owned.”

The business known as Pharmaca closed February 25 at the location remains dark. Even though Garg was aware of Pharmaca’s eagerness to be acquired by a healthier company– in this case, Medly Health, Inc. — he like everyone else was shocked. “It looked hopeful (with Medly), but to a major conglomerate?”

“I don’t want Sonoma to be without a local pharmacy,” said Garg. Over the past 11 years, he has gotten to know everyone, “customers/patients, hospitals, doctors, everyone,” he said. To him, Sonoma is special and a one-of-a-kind place. He pointed out that only other independent pharmacy is more than 20 miles away in Santa Rosa. “Sonoma is unique, it’s about families, friendship and community. No big conglomerate/corporate entity can replace that.”

Being able to know and understand a patient’s and customer’s needs is crucial when it comes to health — “the personal touch.” And as someone who used to work for Rite Aid and earlier in his career, Johnson & Johnson, Garg feels that caring about patients/customers is more important than just selling them something.

“I became a pharmacist because I am a people person. It’s so important not to lose sight of that, especially in a place like Sonoma, where in addition to families, the needs of the retirement community is growing.”

 

 

 

21 thoughts on “‘I don’t want Sonoma to be without a local pharmacy’”

  1. What fantastic news Garg! I love that you are working to make this happen. GOOD LUCK

  2. Dear Aman, you have always been so helpful to everyone. I was so disappointed at the idea of not seeing you again. You solved a problem for me that made such a difference. You are a hero because you are so careful and cheerful.
    I hope, so much that this works out for you and us.
    With gratitude
    Cindy Martin Campbell

  5. Aman is the best and this would be fantastic! There is a huge void that needs to be filled now that Pharmaca has closed and a local pharmacy is something Sonoma is lacking. I would LOVE to see this happen, let’s go Aman!!

  6. This would be great. Locally owned to serve our community. Please keep many of the over the counter holistic products that Pharmaca had. It was our go to place for supplements in addition to being a great pharmacy and spot to get our vaccinations.

  7. Rod and I would definitely patronize your pharmacy. You always took such good care of the two of us and our pharmacy needs. We wish you success with your venture and hope to be your customer in the very near future!

  8. Wonderful news. Aman was so helpful to me and my family over the years. If there’s anything the community can do to help his plans, I would love to know more.

  9. My husband & I had only been at Pharmaca about a year. What a wonderful experience, everyone was so warm & helpful. Absolutely crushed to hear they had been sold to Walgreens!

  11. Whenever I went into Pharmaca it was a quiet, soothing experience. It would be great if you continued the tradition.

    1. Thank you Yolanda, I hope to serve my community again soon. Fingers crossed!

      Aman

  12. Aman, Dave and I would be thrilled to see you back in town. You are the best. We always felt so well cared for under your watch! What can we do to help?

    1. Thank you Kathleen. You and Dave have always been so good to me. Looking for space right now and hoping to finalize the location sooner rather than later. Will keep you posted!

      Regards,
      Aman

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