From Wall Street to the Bronx: My Pharmacy Safari in NYC 🗽💊

Ah, New York. This time, the city greeted me with a warm November sun and a buzz of anticipation for Thanksgiving. The streets were alive with people smiling—a rare sight in a city famed for its hustle. It felt like even New York had paused to sip a pumpkin spice latte and soak in the holiday vibes.

For this trip, I went full "Wolf of Wall Street" (minus the chaos) and stayed in the financial district. From there, I walked (and walked) to Soho, Chinatown, Little Italy, and beyond. I crossed into Brooklyn, ventured into Queens, and capped off my pharmacy safari in the Bronx where soon #2 SV Pharmacies will help the community. My daily step count averaged 17,000, leaving one of my architects with sore feet and a new appreciation for sitting. But hey, the pharmacies weren’t going to explore themselves.

Does anyone else become a relentless explorer when traveling? I can’t help it—I need to see, experience, and discover. And in New York, that meant diving headfirst into every pharmacy I could find, from chains to independents.

Chains Gone… Paranoid?

Let’s talk about Duane Reade and Walgreens. Or should I say "Fortress Pharmacies”? Because that’s what they’ve become. Entire shelves locked behind glass—everything from expensive items to toothpaste, deodorant, and toys. Need a pack of gum? Hit a button, wait for someone to unlock it, and prepare for an awkward encounter.

It’s the opposite of retail therapy.

After two attempts, I gave up. It wasn’t worth the hassle, and honestly, it made me feel unwelcome. These stores have turned into bleak, joyless vaults. Contrast this with Whole Foods (owned by Amazon), where personal care products were beautifully displayed, accessible, and inviting. The atmosphere there whispered, “Take your time,” while the chains screamed, “Don’t touch!”

Chains like Walgreens are clearly struggling, and it shows. Atmosphere matters, and theirs is a mix of paranoia and decay. It’s no surprise that the chain model is faltering.

Who wants to shop in a depressing space?

Independents: Lost in the Past

On the flip side, I had high hopes for the independent pharmacies—but most fell short. Despite their potential to shine, they were stuck making the same mistakes:

1. Poor Layouts: Counters right by the entrance say, “Get in, get out,” instead of inviting customers to explore.
2. Clutter and Confusion: Displays were messy, categories nonexistent, and visual chaos reigned. Shelves felt like scavenger hunts, minus the fun.
3. Bad Lighting: Some areas were dim and dingy, others harsh and sterile. Lighting matters, and the balance was all wrong.
4. Lack of Private Spaces: Pharmacies should feel like health hubs, but where are the consultation rooms? Patients want privacy to discuss sensitive issues.
5. Backward Priorities: Massive backrooms and cramped front-end areas. Why not put the focus where the customers are?
6. Generic Products: Stocking the same items you can find in any supermarket or online won’t win customers over.

Why Italian Pharmacy Design is the Answer

So, why should you consider transforming your pharmacy with Italian design? I know what are you thinking: who are those guys ssooo farrr!! Why choose us, my company over local options—or worse, do nothing at all?

Here’s the deal:

• Experience That Speaks Volumes: We’ve been designing pharmacies since 1965. Over the decades, we’ve worked in countless countries, giving us a unique superpower: we know what’s happening in the pharmacy world right now and—more importantly—what’s coming next.
• Functionality Meets Beauty: We create spaces that work for you and your team while being visually stunning. You’ll love working in a brighter, more organized environment, and your patients will love spending time there.
• Enhanced Patient Loyalty: A well-designed pharmacy isn’t just a store; it’s a destination. Patients will return—not just for their prescriptions but for the experience.
• A Community Hub: We design pharmacies to be more than transactional spaces. They become places where people feel cared for, where the community gathers, and where quality shines.
• Profit Through Design: A well-designed pharmacy doesn’t just look good—it works hard for you. By maximizing every square meter, improving traffic flow, and highlighting key products, good design increases customer engagement and boosts sales.
• Tailored for You: Every pharmacy we design is unique, reflecting the owner’s vision and the needs of the community.

When you choose Italian design, you’re choosing a future-ready space that blends functionality, beauty, and profitability, all built on decades of global expertise. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about working smarter and creating a space that brings value to your business, your team, and your community.

Lessons from My NYC Trip

1. Chains Need to Unlock Their Potential (Literally): Locking up products drives customers away. Security measures shouldn’t come at the expense of the shopping experience. They need a new model!
2. Independents Must Step Up: The opportunity is there, but it requires bold changes. Better layouts, lighting, and communication can transform your pharmacy. They need a vision!
3. Design is the Differentiator: A well-designed pharmacy isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a space that enhances every step of the patient journey. This is why you should rely only on industry experts.

A Call to Action

Above I’ve attached some photos from my pharmacy safari. Take a look and tell me:

• Do you agree that the chain model is suffocating under its own weight?
• What would you change to help independent pharmacies thrive?

Let’s start a conversation about the future of pharmacy design. What works, what doesn’t, and how can we create spaces that inspire trust, health, and community?

Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear them!