Merz Apothecary

Merz Apothecary, located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood in Chicago, is a historic healthcare store that has been family owned and operated since it was opened by pharmacist Peter Merz in 1875, and is known for its selection of natural medicine. Another Merz Apothecary operates in the Palmer House Hilton.

Peter Merz, a Swiss-American pharmacist, opened the business in 1875, using the name “Apothecary” as his customers were predominantly European. It was a typical drug corner store at the time, and focused on herbal medicines that his European customers were already accustomed to. However, it also served as a gathering place with comfortable seating, such as leather chairs, which allowed patrons to sit and chat while waiting for their medicinal orders to be prepared. Furthermore, pharmacists at the Apothecary were multilingual and facilitated ease of communication between the employees and the diverse base of customers. This tradition continues today. Merz’s is unique, because it continues to look like a circa 1900 apothecary with antique pharmacy jars, leaded glass windows, parquet floors, tin ceilings, and solid oak cabinets.