Thursday, June 21st, 2012

A neighborhood institution is closing.

Goodrich Pharmacy, located at 104 West 70th for the past 40 years, is closing at the end of the month.

Thanks to MUW reader Lucien for the photo and the report below:

Goodrich Pharmacy, in business for 40 years, is finally closing its doors. Frank Cammarata, the owner and pharmacist, is forced to retire due to low insurance reimbursements and the high cost of expenses. These yelp reviews best captures the feelings customers have for Goodrich.

Small independent pharmacies have been dwindling in New York city for the past 19 years. The reason? Insurance company reimbursements are very low so that there is very little profit in selling prescription drugs. Larger corporate stores, like Duane Reade or CVS, make a profit more from the cosmetics, drinks, food and other non-prescription goods.

Interesting to hear the issue with insurance company reimbursements. As much as chain pharmacies like Duane Reade and CVS are easy to complain about, they may just be the only viable solutions remaining.

It’s hard to see in the photo, but there’s a sign indicating all merchandise is 40% off.

Prescriptions are being transferred to the Duane Reade at 2025 Broadway, between 69th & 70th.

Elsewhere…

Mentioned last night that it’s rumored the recently shuttered Columbus Tavern will reopen as a Cuban restaurant. MUW reader Eden e-mailed this morning confirm he’s heard similar:

I also heard the same thing from the bartender. I believe some of the ownership is staying on, but the re-branding as a Cuban place seems to be the plan.

Finally, posted in March that a Pet Central store was moving into 2643 Broadway (between 100th & 101st). I’m not normally in that area, but I passed by they other day and noticed they’re now officially open.

 

Filed under: Discounts, Food & Drink, Going Out, Manhattan, New York City, News, NYC, Openings/Closings, Restaurants, Seniors, Shopping, Upper West Side, Upper West Side Blog, Upper West Side Dog Stuff, UWS 4 Comments »