Laurel Pharmacy in Pacoima to close after 47 years

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Pacoima's Laurel Pharmacy will be closing down on Wednesday after 47 years in business.

Barry Wise opened the Pacoima store in 1969. He has been filling prescriptions and selling merchandise to generations of families since then. In recent years, the business has become more difficult, and the 76-year-old pharmacist said it's time to shut the doors.

After decades in business, Wise said the friendships he had built with his customers and staff is what he'll miss most.

"Just knowing everybody, being able to help them," said Wise. "I met my wife here. We've been married now for 41 years. I guess that was the best part."

Wise's employees, who have been with him for decades, said they've had a special relationship with the predominantly Latino community.

"They don't want to go to other places because they feel like they're at home here for some reason," said employee Lupita Marquez.

"Independents are different from the chains," added Wise. "We do our best to know our people and stay with them for a while."

Longtime customers like Yesenia Pedraza said they'll miss coming into the neighborhood store and seeing Wise, "Every time that we would want something like, 'Oh! Barry I have a headache,' he will always advise us."

Wise will be working until closing time on Wednesday.