Independent pharmacy picks up where CVS on Central Ave. left off

The CVS store on Central Ave closed for good this year on Jan. 12. Before the closing, many customers feared easy access to a pharmacy would no longer be available.

It’s been a little more than two weeks since the chain has closed its doors, and now the independent pharmacy Central Ave Pharmacy is getting new business from those former customers.

Sarah Walton, the director of pharmacy operations at Central Ave Pharmacy, said their business has doubled since the closing. Although smaller, Walton said they can still handle the demands of the people.

“On the pharmacy side specifically, there’s s nothing that’s going to be different between here and a CVS. We still have a staffed pharmacist on every day, we’re still able to get in the same medication that you get on a regular basis,” said Walton.

Residents at Townsend Park, 45 Central Ave., said they love the convenience. Tenant Mary F. Howard said she’s seen so many businesses come and go, she’s happy to know at least they still have a pharmacy close by that’s accommodating to some of the senior citizens in her building.

“We can’t walk, we got our wheelchairs, we got our walkers,” Howard said.  

Free delivery for Albany residents is another benefit Howard said she enjoys.

“I don’t have to go out there in that snow at night, she said. I like that they deliver,” she said.

The Central Ave Pharmacy is located at 65 Central Ave. They’re open Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m to 6 p.m, Saturdays 10:30 a.m to 4 p.m, and closed on Sundays.