TOLEDO, Ohio — According to industry experts, the pharmacy business is evolving into a more fast-paced industry, with greater demand for both prescription and direct-care services.
And one local pharmacy is stepping up to serve as another alternative to all of the chains closing while also providing free delivery services.
Sylvania Family Pharmacy in Toledo had a grand opening for their second storefront on Saturday in Toledo on Monroe Street and West Laskey Road.
Walgreens recently announced they will close 1,200 to 1,500 stores over the next couple of years.
This comes on the heels of national chain Rite Aid shuttering more than 500 stores, including many in Toledo, since 2023.
That's left some customer searching for a new place to get prescriptions filled.
Now, the owners or Sylvania Family Pharmacy say they want to serve as a bright light in the face of uncertainty.
"It's a really rewarding feeling to be able to give back to the community, especially in a time of uncertainty with all the pharmacies closing around us and just being able to help patients that may feel displaced and not know that small independent pharmacies exist here," said Katherine Sullivan, co-owner of Sylvania Family Pharmacy.
WTOL 11 spoke to neighbors of the business who are thrilled by the expansion.
"I think it's wonderful for the community to have options to the large retail chain stores and think more locally in terms of their pharmaceutical needs," said Tony Howell, who lives in Toledo.
Sylvania Family Pharmacy's other location is at North Holland-Sylvania Road and Bancroft Street. The business has been open for about two and a half years.
"So we decided, 'hey, if we're going to expand, we're going to bring pharmacy closer to them.' So, you know, we came up with this location, this location opened up for us and we jumped right on it," said Abe El Khatib, co-owner, Sylvania Family Pharmacy.
Community leaders say they're glad the business is taking the next step.
"I think it's really great that we have another pharmacy opening up," said Toledo City Councilman George Sarantou. "We've had several that have closed now. And this just means more convenience for people in Toledo and the suburbs. So we're very proud of the fact that they have arrived, and we wish them all the very best."
Sylvania Family Pharmacy will be open Monday through Saturday.