In the town of Sharon, Sharon Pharmacy has been operating for over 64 years – a pharmacy that has become a true center of the local community. Managed by several generations of the Heacox family, this business proves that a personal approach, quick adaptation, and sincere care for neighbors help overcome any crises.
The Beginning of a Family History in Sharon
It all began in 1960 when the Heacox family went on a regular car ride. They were traveling from their hometown of Norwich and exploring remote corners of the state, as they were thinking about relocating. When the car entered the quiet town of Sharon, the parents realized that this was the exact place.
A suitable house happened to be for sale on Calkinstown Road. In addition, there was a vacant retail space in the new shopping center in the very heart of the town. This location was perfect for opening a new pharmacy. Thus, Edward and Kathryn Heacox made a decision that determined the destiny of their entire family for the following decades.
Work That Became a Part of Life
Today, Sharon Pharmacy continues to remain a magnet for loyal customers from all surrounding areas. Stepping inside is like receiving an invitation to visit a friendly family. Customers are usually met at the front counter by Chris Heacox. He is one of five family members who continue the business started by their parents.
Edward and Kathryn Heacox understood from the very beginning that in a small town, it is important not just to sell goods, but to serve people. While the father managed the pharmaceutical part directly, the children (Karen, Mary, Ed, Jr., and Chris) grew up and worked in the family business. Another brother, Dave, also periodically appears in the store, although currently he is more focused on taking care of his elderly mother.
The head of the family, Edward, knew the pharmacy business from his youth. He started his first job in his hometown of New Hartford, where he simply swept the floor to keep everything clean. But he instinctively felt that he would become a pharmacist. Later came service in the Navy and studies at UConn. Moving to Sharon helped lay a solid foundation for the business, which withstood pandemics, economic crises, and other challenges.
The first three years were particularly difficult. According to Chris’s memories, the pharmacy was open every day without days off. The father put a cot in the back room and hung a bell on the front door. When the bell rang at night, he would immediately get up to help people in emergency situations, regardless of the time. The family also actively participated in the life of local organizations and councils so that residents knew there was a full-service pharmacy in the town and people they could count on. The mother of the family, Kathryn, kept all the bookkeeping and managed the card section.
Expansion of Space and New Services
When the neighboring bookstore closed and vacated the premises, Sharon Pharmacy expanded. The pharmacy counter was moved deeper into the hall, and a large retail section was created in the front.
Since the commercial zone in Sharon was small, residents had to drive many miles for many household items. The pharmacy began selling goods for the whole family:
- Children’s toys and board games.
- Cosmetic soaps and lotions.
- Greeting cards and school supplies.
- Basic everyday clothing essentials.
One can even purchase and immediately inflate balloons here for a birthday or anniversary celebration, which is very convenient for local residents.
Pandemic Challenges: Adaptation to Changes and Competition with Corporate Giants
The COVID-19 pandemic greatly changed the operations of many businesses. It was pharmacies that found themselves at the forefront of the fight against the disease. Chris Heacox recalls that they had to buy hand sanitizers in huge 12-gallon jugs and order vitamins in batches that exceeded usual norms by multiple times. The main task was to maintain a safe environment for customers.
Today, the pharmacy has to compete with large chain supermarkets and giant online platforms. Of course, business conditions have changed significantly over time. However, the Heacox family continues to work and does not violate their commitments to the community.
Small local stores have an important advantage – they can instantly adapt to people’s needs. Unlike large chains, Sharon Pharmacy does not have strict instructions regarding the assortment from a corporate office. They cooperate with excellent suppliers, which allows them to quickly respond to new trends in the healthcare sphere, find the right products based on customer requests, and maintain competitive pricing.
A Book by Chris Heacox
At the pharmacy checkout, one can notice a display of children’s books titled The Chudderdudders: Bogee Learns a Valuable Lesson. If you look at the author’s name, it turns out to be Christopher J. Heacox himself.
Chris shares that in his childhood, his father called him by the funny nickname Murgit. This nickname was remembered, and when Chris grew up and began raising his own children, his childhood memories and family stories turned into a fairy tale. Creating the book and turning the idea into a printed edition took almost 30 years. Now this book is purchased by readers even in countries as distant as Japan, Sweden, Germany, and India. By the way, the fictional store “Murgit Mart” at the center of the book’s plot is very similar to the Sharon Pharmacy itself. The book can be found on Amazon or Barnes & Noble websites, but it is best to buy one right at the pharmacy and ask the author for an autograph.
A Modern Town Square
Every morning the pharmacy doors open, and local residents come inside. Someone buys a fresh copy of the New York Times, and someone just wants to exchange a few words with Chris Heacox before starting the workday.
One of the regular morning visitors, Nat Benchley, calls this place invaluable. According to him, such morning meetings near the counter are a wonderful way for neighbors to find out the latest news, discuss trivia, and simply socialize. The pharmacy has come to play the role of a modern town square where everyone feels like a part of a big family.
The pharmacy is located at: 8 Gay Street, Sharon, CT. You can contact the employees by phone at (860) 364-5272 or through the page on the Facebook social network.