A New Canaan institution is now closed.
which served the town since 1925 and was owned by and her family for 35 years, closed its doors on Tuesday at 136 Elm Street, marking the end of an era.
"It was a combination of a business decision and a quality [of] life decision," Levison said. "There's so many people I care about. I've been here over 30 years myself. It's a family business and I know so many people and their children and now their children's children. I would've done it a couple of years ago, but I wanted to make sure every one of my employees was taken care of in a way that would make them happy."
Levison said she's been trying to sell the store since the summer and acknowledged that she attempted to make a deal with an individual, but it fell through. Levison eventually sold her store to pharmacy giant and regrets not being able to tell her customers about the sale. However, that was forbidden as per her contract with the new owners.
"I chose Walgreens because I think they're efficient, they treat their employees fairly and they will take care of my customers," Levison, who also owns in Weston, said. "They have all the pharmacy records and insurance information. It's going to be as painless and seamless as possible."
Levison and several of her employees spent Tuesday packing boxes and making sure that Walgreens had everything it needed to make a smooth transition. Rich Zaccone, district manager of Walgreens, said customers of Lang's Pharmacy would be taken care of quickly by his store.
"Their prescription information and their prescription history should be available immediately. We've transferred computer data and as long as that's been successful and accurate, everything should be good," he said. "If not, the first time customers are in the store, we might have to gather some information and it should be seamless from then on out."
Longtime customers of Lang's Pharmacy were stunned to see the doors closed and drapes hanging in the windows of the store as they strolled by it on Tuesday morning.
"I'm very sad. I hate to see the small local businesses that are hurting so badly and have to go out of business, "Kathleen Redman, a New Canaan resident for 16 years, said "As soon as Walgreens came to town and there were two big-box pharmacies [ being the other] it was going to be difficult for Lang's to compete and make a profit. They don't have the financial depth a big-box store has."
Carl Franco, co-owner of's Wine Merchants, was saddened when he saw the sign in Lang's Pharmacy window Tuesday morning indicating the store had been sold to Walgreens. His store is just two doors down from Lang's and he said he's going to miss everything Levison brought to Elm Street.
"I was surprised because it had been so quiet," Franco said. "It seemed to happen so quickly. I was just as surprised as anyone else. Diana is a great gal. I know she still has a place in Weston and I'm sure she's just going to concentrate on the one there."
Added Diane Roth, owner of whose store is just around the corner from Lang's Pharmacy on Park Street. "Oh, my God, this is terrible.' That was my first reaction. It reflects the changing economy and it's sad to lose owner-operated stores in this town. We're getting down to a handful of stores that have longevity. Do you want [New Canaan] to be a roofless mall? You don't want chain stores."
on Main Street competed with Lang's Pharmacy for customers in New Canaan for decades, reacted the way many people did in town after hearing the news, "I was really surprised. There's nothing more I can say," Kahni Shah, pharmacist for Varnum's, said.
As tears welled in her eyes, Levison reflected on what she will miss the most after more than 30 years in New Canaan. “There are a lot of special people I'm going to miss," she said. "A lot of really special people."
GLEN
You need to get a hobby, or a ............
We had some great people! Definitely we had some characters who knew what I meant when I would say, I want to get it done, get it done right, but I want to have a good time. We certainly did!
If you want one, just let me know!
Lang's Pharmacy, which has owned Diana for the last 30 years...
The owner, Mr. Nachowitz worked with us for a year during the transition. When we started, there were 5 independents, and no chains. Sundays, we would take turns being open. That was when all the stores were family owned and eager to have a Sunday off and a day of rest.
I enjoy carrying local items, and in the Weston location I have been able to feature books from local authors, stationary, jewelry, hair accessories etc. from local artists. It adds character and a local flavor, and an opportunity for them as well.
It's always nice to be appreciated. I will be missing you and your husband, and so many others that we have known over the years.
as I said, it's always nice to be appreciated! ;) but as our regulars know, we always had beautiful girls, right? and even more importantly, beautiful people inside as well.
there is a lot of pressure with mandatory mail order, decreasing insurance payments, and many more choices for cosmetics in town. (we are working on 8-12%, sometimes far less) on prescriptions, Parking was always a big issue, and that is what attracts the restaurants, the "magic circle" a one mile downtown area in which restaurants do not need to provide parking per seat.
There is a Girl there that I like and is dreamy :)
The Mishkins have nothing but praise for you and your staff. Walking into your store we were always greeted with a smile and quick service. We have been regulars for almost 30 years, and you have been there to support us in every way. We will miss you and your staff. Thanks for adding a personal touch to our lives. We wish you the best.
The pharmacy that will be filling the prescription will be the one to call for the transfer.
Look for my 58 Morris Minor parked up front!