Leslie’s Drug Store Will Stay Open

Leslie’s Drug Store, the family-run pharmacy in downtown Vineyard Haven that was due to close at the end of the year, will be able to stay open after all, the owners confirmed.

Leslie’s Drug Store, the family-run pharmacy in downtown Vineyard Haven that was due to close at the end of the year, will be able to stay open after all, the owners confirmed.

David Holmberg, pharmacy manager at Leslie’s and son of owners Warren and Donna Holmberg, told the Gazette Monday he has been in talks with investors and believes he can keep the pharmacy open.

“It’s been a crazy road but it looks very good at this point,” Mr. Holmberg said.

Mr. Holmberg announced in late October that the business would close at the end of the year. He said after the announcement the feedback he received from members of the Island community drove him to search for a way to keep the business going.

“It’s amazing how many people we have behind us,” Mr. Holmerg said. “Everybody has just been amazing, and that’s what I love about being here and growing up here.”

Although he was not specific about the newfound support, Mr. Holmberg said Leslie’s will now be able to reinvest in its business.

“We weren’t profitable enough in recent years to start [new] programs. You need the money to make money,” he said.

He said competition from online pharmacies will remain a tough challenge. But for now, he said he and his family are thankful for the Island community that has rallied to help keep the family businesses going for its 73rd year.

“We’re so grateful to the community for all the support behind us. That’s the biggest thing that’s kept us going mentally. It made me want to fix it instead of saying, okay let’s close,” Mr. Holmberg said.

Location and hours for Leslie's can be found here.

Comments

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/22/2020 - 07:55

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rob the roofer new jersey

so glad to hear the news. keep doing what your doing and i'll be there to do my shopping like always, see you in September.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/22/2020 - 11:05

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Lou VINEYARD HAVEN

When I was ill you were there, when I was recovering you were there, I could count on you being there and always providing the medicine, advise and warm greetings every time I needed it. My family and I thank you and are extremely grateful for your continuing to care for us.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/22/2020 - 11:27

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John & Joy Washbrook West Tisbury

This is great news! Leslie's is important to the community. The owners and the staff are so knowledgeable, dependable, and friendly to customers it would truly be a loss if they had to close. We don't want to lose them.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/22/2020 - 12:28

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Eva Zepecki Litchfield, Connecticut

David,
So glad you are staying open....congratulations.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 12/22/2020 - 23:03

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Katherine Scott Tisbury

Vineyard Haven needs a pharmacy on Main Street!

Thanks for looking for solutions that benefit this business and the community.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/23/2020 - 00:44

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Mink in the Meadows SF/VH

Such great news, and proof that oftentimes a community cares even more than you think. Great to see Vineyard Haven rallying to support one of its own.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/24/2020 - 13:59

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Richard Peter Wharton Oak Bluffs

Through illness and health, you've been our family pharmacy. I'm relieved and happy to hear such great news!

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