Why Grannick's Pharmacy Closed, And What's Next For The Vacant Space

GREENWICH, CT — When Grannick's Pharmacy closed its doors on Greenwich Avenue after more than 80 years in business, a small message was posted on their website thanking customers for their patronage and alerting them that their prescriptions were being safely and securely transferred up the street to CVS.

Now, Harris Grannick, co-owner of the family-run business, has shed more light on what went into the decision to close, and what the future holds for the space located at 277 Greenwich Ave.

Harris, who started working at the business 20 years ago, said the pharmacy landscape was much different back then.

Currently, there's more of a shift toward chain pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens, which is making it more difficult for independent pharmacies to do business.

Grannick’s has been able to stay ahead of many other fledgling independent pharmacies because of strong customer loyalty, a unique selection of products that can’t be found at chain pharmacies, and durable medical equipment products.

However, future trends show continued favorability for chain pharmacies that are heavily involved with insurance companies, Harris said, and the decision was made to shutter.

Harris's grandfather, Irving Grannick, opened the pharmacy in the location that is now Betteridge Jewelers in 1942.

In 1966, the business moved to 277 Greenwich Ave., where it stayed ever since.

Fortunately, Irving purchased the building that houses the pharmacy, and what is now Peserico Greenwich, a clothing store. There are also eight rental apartments above the pharmacy.

Because the real estate and rental market is so strong on Greenwich Avenue, Harris believed it was the right time to take advantage.

He's speaking with potential tenants and hopes whoever moves in can have a lasting impact on the community.

The retail floor of the pharmacy measures 2,187 square feet, and the lower floor is 2,126 square feet, Harris said.

"We don't want someone who will be in for six months and out. We want to do our due diligence and whoever is there, make sure they're there for a good amount of time so it can be good for the whole community, not just a section," Harris said. "Even though the store is closed, we're going to definitely uphold the name — whatever we do, we're going to keep that legacy of the Grannick name in whatever endeavor we choose to do after this."

Irving's son, Charles, ran the business until he handed it off to his sons Harris, Evan, and Jeff.

Harris called the closing bittersweet.

He recounted fond memories of getting out of school and going into the pharmacy to visit his grandfather and get some candy. Sometimes Irving would let him take some sweets, other times he made him pay and figure out how much change was owed in return.

Harris would then go downstairs to see his grandmother, who handled the bookkeeping.

"While it was the right time [to close], it's sad to see it go away. I've spent so much time there. My whole life has been there," Harris said.

The legacy that Irving created is important to the family. Harris also owns Your CBD Store, which is located at 38 West Putnam Ave. in Greenwich, and he plans to dedicate more time to the business and his family.

"Even though the pharmacy is closed, we're going to definitely uphold the name. Whatever we do, we're going to keep that legacy of the Grannick name in whatever endeavor we choose to do after this," Harris said.

Getting to interact with the customers and seeing families grow over the years was one of Harris' favorite things about being involved with the pharmacy, and it's something that he'll miss.

He thanked the customers once more for their loyalty through the decades.

"They could've gone anywhere, but they came to Grannick's," Harris said. "My grandfather built our store on having great customer service and policy, getting to know the customer and really being personable with them. We've tried to keep that up over the years. I think we did a good job of it; it's the customers who made us stay around, and we love them for it."