'It’s a real loss.' - Community 'stunned' after Throggs Neck Pharmacy closes

The community says the pharmacy has been a staple in the neighborhood for many years and they thought it would continue to be for many more.

News 12 Staff

Jan 22, 2021, 4:06 AM

Updated 1,361 days ago

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Members of the Throgs Neck community are stunned after their local pharmacy abruptly closed. 
The community says Throggs Neck Pharmacy has been a staple in the neighborhood for many years and they thought it would continue to be for many more.
"I was here on Saturday to pick up a prescription, and they were open, and they said nothing at all,” said customer Nancy Roman. 
While the pharmacy owners declined to speak, the chairman of the Pharmacists Society of New York says this is an unfortunate trend with local and independent pharmacies. 
"Business is challenging for everybody right now, including pharmacies. You know a lot of the stores may have lost some walk-in traffic,” said Pharmacists Society of New York Chairman Steve Moore. 
Besides the pandemic downturn, he says the pharmacy benefit managers tend to reimburse independent pharmacies less for filling prescriptions - making it difficult for them to stay afloat, which in turn hurts the community. 
"They’re really helpful in so many different areas, very nice people, so it’s a real loss. I hope they reopen,” said Desina, a customer of the Throggs Neck Pharmacy. 
News 12 reached out to Walgreens for details on how customers and employees will be affected but has not heard back yet.