Vandel Drug has changed a lot since it began as a small Main Street business in 1966. It now fills what used to be a bowling alley and a furniture store, providing for more than the community’s pharmacy needs. Mike Bemis has owned the business since 2015.
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TORRINGTON – Vandel Drug has changed a lot since it began as a small Main Street business in 1966. It now fills what used to be a bowling alley and a furniture store, providing for more than the community’s pharmacy needs. Mike Bemis has owned the business since 2015.
“We feel that Vandel’s is an extension of the family,” Assistant Manager Merissa Stromberg said during a recent interview near the check-out counter, while thanking departing customers. “It’s especially important to be close to customers in a small town like Torrington.”
According to Stromberg, the store offers a large variety of items, from infant wear and toys, to wedding gifts, and a full-service pharmacy with durable medical equipment for the elderly. They also stock baby gift and bridal registries, as well as delivery service for prescriptions and some bridal gifts.
One of the store’s bragging points is that Vandel’s is being dthe only Hallmark card store within 100 miles.
Customers can also find some women’s apparel accessories, jewelry, home decor, small appliances, snacks, cosmetics, gourmet foods and gluten free products.
“We want our customers to feel they are an important part of our business, more than just customers,” Stromberg emphasized. “We want them to feel better inside and outside.
“We focus on our customers and take care of their needs as well as donating to community projects,” she added.
Vandel Drug has 12 employees, two part-time, and 10 full-time.
Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Saturday; and closed on Sunday.