Business Spotlight: Alisons Pharmacy
Ken Yee of Alisons Pharmacy
Alisons Pharmacy
12 Bowery A
(212) 227-7065
Welcome to Chinatown recently spoke with Longevity Fund grantee Ken Yee of Alisons Pharmacy. Ken emigrated from Hong Kong when he was 10 years old and grew up in Chinatown, where he has been a pharmacy owner for 36 years. Alisons Pharmacy opened its doors in 1994 and continues to provide safe and helpful services to the community.
Tell us about your business.
My mother, four brothers, and I emigrated from Hong Kong when I was 10 years old. We were reunited with my father, who had immigrated to the United States 6 years earlier. I grew up in Chinatown, and I've been a pharmacy owner in the neighborhood since 1985.
What challenges have you faced during the COVID pandemic, and have you noticed an improvement in 2021?
Decreased foot traffic. I haven't noticed an improvement in 2021 yet, but we remain hopeful as more people get vaccinated. Hopefully, cases will continue to decrease.
“I grew up in Chinatown. This is my home. I love that it’s made up of small businesses, which help to preserve and share our culture.”
What do customers love most about your pharmacy?
They love the employees, most of whom have been here for more than a decade. Having someone you trust, who speaks your preferred language is important when it comes to your health and medical care.
How will the Longevity Fund help your business?
We used the funds towards the costs of keeping medication in stock for our patients.
What do you love most about Chinatown?
I grew up in Chinatown. This is my home. I love that it’s made up of small businesses, which help to preserve and share our culture.
“Having someone you trust, who speak your preferred language is important when it comes to your health and medical care.”
How can people support Alison's Pharmacy or stay in touch with your business?
We are open 6 days a week, so stop by or give us a call.
Is there a message of hope you would like to give to the community?
It's been a difficult year, but please continue to wear masks, social distance, and wash your hands. Get vaccinated when you are eligible and able. As vaccines are becoming more available, we are getting closer to the end of the tunnel. We are all in this together.
Chinatown small businesses like Alisons Pharmacy are what makes the spirit of our neighborhood. We need your support to keep that spirit alive. Please consider donating to The Longevity Fund, our small business relief fund, or help us spread the word of what’s at stake. Together, we can preserve Chinatown businesses and help keep Chinatown open for business.
Photo Credit: Fuxuan Xin
