New London — When Nutmeg Pharmacy opened Monday on Broad Street it became the 10-year-old company's fifth location, in addition to ones in Higganum, Centerbook, Taftville and Moodus.

"It seemed like a community that needed an independent pharmacy," said pharmacy manager Jason Navallil, who was previously pharmacy manager at the Taftville location, which opened two years ago. He said in a press release that with the COVID-19 pandemic, "we saw just how important local pharmacies were in helping to get vaccine out to the local residents and be there to answer their health care questions and concerns when access to the doctor or hospital was limited."

Ten years after working in stocking at another pharmacy, Navallil is having his first experience opening a store, and he "couldn't be more excited."

Nutmeg Pharmacy opened at 345 Broad St., the former site of The Computer Lab, which closed in August 2018 after nearly 40 years in business.

Less than a mile away, The Medicine Shoppe closed last January after 41 years in business as an independent pharmacy, and the pharmacy at the ShopRite in New London closed less than two months ago. The Medicine Shoppe and ShopRite cited a difficult and competitive climate for pharmacies.

The first customer in Nutmeg Pharmacy on Monday commented that she lives on this side of town so the location, which she heard about on Facebook, is convenient. The second customer noted she had switched to CVS after The Medicine Shoppe closed.

Navallil said one thing Nutmeg Pharmacy offers that may not be found in bigger chains is multi-dose medicine packaging. The store also offers same-day delivery, Medicare analysis and medication therapy management.

Nutmeg Pharmacy will offer the COVID-19 vaccine, and those interested in getting the vaccine there can call the shop at (860) 910-4909. The pharmacy also offers other vaccines, such as flu, shingles and tetanus.

Items in the store include cards, lotions, toiletries, office supplies and gift wrapping.

For now, Navallil is one of two staff members, and is looking to hire a part-time position and a driver. Navallil hopes to expand beyond that, but it depends how busy the pharmacy becomes as word of the new location gets out.

Nutmeg Pharmacy Group Chairman Greg McKenna — a registered pharmacist who also has business and law degrees — said the decision to open in New London came from the success of the Taftville location.

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut held a ribbon-cutting at Nutmeg Pharmacy on Monday morning.

"I love to have these small venues opening up. It's a great sign for what we expect will be a good year," Chamber President and CEO Tony Sheridan said. Mayor Michael Passero was also in attendance, and said he thinks "it's a great investment in the neighborhood" and will do well.

e.moser@theday.com