By Julie Trescott

Joe Hu/town crier Bart Nelson owns Los Altos’ oldest business, Los Altos Pharmacy, which has been in business for 71 years.

In a world where chains like Rite Aid Drugstore and Longs Drugs stand tall in practically every shopping center, it’s amazing that local pharmacies stay in business.

Despite the recent influx of big-box companies, including the two-year-old Walgreens in the downtown triangle, Los Altos Pharmacy isn’t even struggling to keep up with competitors that have multiple locations. The oldest business in Los Altos, this family-owned pharmacy has been satisfying community needs for 71 years.

So, how does an independent pharmacy stay in business for so long?

“By changing as the industry and community changed, we are able to stay flexible and provide more specialty products than ever before,” said owner Bart Nelson.

In addition to providing pharmaceutical services, Los Altos Pharmacy keeps customers coming back by offering personalized assistance and providing products that can’t be found on the shelves of larger stores.

For example, the pharmacy offers veterinary compounding, a service that makes one-stop shopping a possibility for animal lovers. After an appointment at either of the two nearby animal hospitals, pet owners can walk down the street and pick up medications for their furry friends.

Cat owners can say goodbye to the never-ending challenge of getting cats to swallow pills - the pharmacy sells a cream that delivers medication through the skin of the animal’s ear.

Parents, too, are offered some relief. The pharmacy can flavor even the most foul-tasting medicine, making it easier for children and other patients to take. Cherry-berry is a current favorite, Nelson said.

Los Altos Pharmacy also provides a special cancer ointment made according to specifications from Stanford University physicians, special hormone-balancing programs for aging women and custom fertility prescriptions.

They offer delivery, mailing and computerized prescription receipts. To embrace their downtown neighbors, the pharmacy will deliver free of charge to local business owners and employees.

Today, Nelson’s biggest competitors are mail order pharmacies, but he doesn’t seem too concerned.

“The biggest challenge is knowing what you can and what you cannot do,” Nelson said. “We are always looking to change.”

Larry Nelson founded the Los Altos Pharmacy in 1934. His son Bart took over the business in 1999. They currently have 12 employees.

Los Altos Pharmacy is located at 225 Second St. For more information, call 948-1212.