As we previously reported, more core skate shops have been shutting down, and now pro skater Boo Johnson’s Pharmacy Boardshop has joined that list.
Pharmacy Long Beach has officially closed its doors after nine years in the community.
READ MORE: Boo Johnson’s Pharmacy Long Beach Skate Shop Is Closing Its Doors With One Final Party
Johnson took to Instagram to thank everyone in Long Beach who supported the shop since it opened, along with the people who came out for its final day.
Pharmacy was more than just a place to buy skateboards.
After nearly a decade, the shop had become part of the local scene and a place where people could come through, hang out and connect with other skaters.
In his post, Johnson explained that keeping a retail business open had become increasingly difficult due to rising rent and the current economic climate.
He said the shop’s landlord continued increasing the rent, making it harder to keep the business going.
Johnson also said they held on for as long as they could before ultimately deciding to close the doors.
READ MORE: 10 Reasons to Shop at Your Local Skateshop
The closure comes after nine years of Pharmacy serving the Long Beach skate community. For a local shop to stay open that long is no small accomplishment, especially with the costs involved in running a physical retail space.
Johnson ended his message on a more optimistic note, saying that the end of Pharmacy does not mean the end of what comes next.
He also thanked the people around the world who have supported Pharmacy over the years before signing off with a simple message of peace and love.
READ MORE: How Wall Street Killed Core Skateboarding and Turned It Into a Licensing Business
The final day brought all the good homies and supporters together for one last hangout at the shop, giving the Long Beach community a chance to say goodbye to a place that had been part of the local skate scene for nearly a decade.
Pharmacy Long Beach may be gone, but the memories created inside those four walls will stick around with the people who spent time there.
Johnson Posted:
"Big shout out to the whole Long Beach community for all the support & love you all showed @pharmacylongbeach these past 9 MF years!
Especially the homies that showed up for the last hurrah yesterday!At the end of the day…. It’s always hard to let something you love come to an end, but nothing truly lasts forever…. sadly.
We tried holding on as long as we could, but when it comes to retail and dealing with a tough landlord who continues to raise the rent in such a tough economy, it’s hard to continue the journey.💔
But like we always say- one door closes, another big one opens.⚔️
Peace & Love worldwide.🖤"
