Historic collage featuring six generations of the Oswald’s Pharmacy family and storefront images spanning 150 years of service in Naperville, Illinois.

150 Years of Community Care

Posted on: April 2nd, 2025 by Alex

As we settle into Spring celebrating our 150th year in business, there’s been a big shake-up in the world of pharmacy. If you caught the news last month, you may have seen that Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm, is purchasing Walgreens. The same company that owns The Limited, Hot Topic, and Staples is now in charge of one of America’s largest drugstore chains.

While it’s easy to shrug at corporate acquisitions in this day and age, this one says a lot about how pharmacy is changing—and not necessarily for the better. Over the past decade, we’ve watched as many chain pharmacies have struggled to deliver consistent service. Staffing issues, store closures, and long wait times have unfortunately become the norm. When companies prioritize quarterly earnings and shareholder value over patient care, pharmacies stop being healthcare providers and start looking more like convenience stores with a pharmacy shoved in the back.

What does this mean for you? If you’re an Ozzie’s customer, more of the same great service we strive to provide every day. For your friends and family still at chain stores? Probably more of the same—less personalized care, longer lines, and fewer familiar faces behind the counter. Meanwhile, here at Oswald’s, we’re continuing to focus on exactly what we’ve been doing since 1875: putting our patients and our community first.

We’re a pharmacy, yes—but we’re also a small business, a family-run operation six generations deep. We know our customers by name. We answer the phone when you call. We deliver prescriptions to your door. And if you’ve ever had a question about a new medication or needed help figuring out which cough syrup is right for your kid, you know we’ll take the time to help. As always, we’re grateful for your continued support. If any local friends or family continue to struggle with their chain pharmacy, please have them reach out to us!

Now, let’s talk bunnies and baskets. Easter is almost here, and our aisles are fully stocked with all the goodies you need for a perfect Easter basket. From chocolate bunnies to allergy-friendly sweets, spring-themed toys to plush favorites—our team has curated a mix of classic treats and unique finds you won’t see anywhere else. And yes—Pokémon cards are finally back in stock. Though no promises they’ll last until Easter weekend… they’re going fast!

And don’t forget—our Easter Photo Shoot is back this year. It’s happening Saturday, April 12th, right here at the pharmacy. Each session includes one 6×8 photo collage printed out with 2 poses, and 1 4×6” print of each pose, and of course, time to take your own pictures with your cell phone. Immediate phone-picture-gratification along with professional prints—the best of both worlds! Only a few time slots are left, so if you’re interested, hop over to oswaldspharmacy.com/easter-photos-2025 and sign up today. Happy Spring!       ꝶ

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2 Responses

  1. David Hodapp says:

    Alex,

    Congratulations on 150 years! I worked at Ozzie’s with your dad, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather when I was in high school as did my brother, Steve. Steve lives in Virginia now but I know he would like to come back for the 150th celebration. I worked there just prior to the 100th anniversary and attended the 125th. If you could let me know when you’re planning the big event then you can be sure Steve and I will attend. Thanks for keeping up the business!

    Regards,

    Dave Hodapp

    • Alex says:

      Thanks Dave! I’ll let Bill know you left a comment. We’re planning on Saturday September 27th for the customer/previous employees event. You’re on the email list, so just keep an eye on that for future updates. I look forward to meeting you at the 150th celebration!

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