About Us

In 1929, Al Solomon, a graduate of the Fordham University School of Pharmacy, decided that the future of retail pharmacy would be found in the developing suburban communities around New York City. With a map of the trolley routes from the Bronx, NY to Newark, NJ, Al arrived in the newly growing community of Bloomfield and purchased North's Drug Store.

In 1939, a larger space was needed to accommodate the community pharmacy and Al Solomon opened Whelan Drugs across the street from the original North's Drug Store. The store was run by Solomon, his wife, Fanny and her brother, Dewey.

In 1946, the soda fountain was replaced by cosmetics counters and fragrances.

In 1955, Solomon's son, Martin, a graduate of the Purdue University School of Pharmacy joined the business.

And, in 1958, Whelan Drugs was remodeled to become what we know today as North Center Drugs.

The cosmetics and fragrances had long been replaced by a growing demand for cards and gift items. In 2003, the young Solomon expanded North Center Drugs to include North Center Cards & Gifts.

We hope you will visit us again to follow this family and community journey.