Ep 119: Ian Ginsberg - Third Generation Owner of C.O. Bigelow, America's Oldest Apothecary- History Behind The Company - How The Family and Employees Maintain Brand Integrity through Storytelling

Summary: Today's guest is Ian Ginsberg, who is a pharmacist, president, and the third-generation owner of C.O Bigelow, which is America’s oldest Apothecary. In this episode, Ian and I discuss his role at C.O Bigelow and the history behind the company. Ian also discusses what makes the company so special and how they successfully cultivate brand integrity throughout all these years and the importance of storytelling to keep their brand relevant and alive. Ian goes into details about the brand heritage and how they create and choose products to touch people emotionally. We also talk about things on his to do list that he hasn't completed yet, how he's seen NYC changed throughout the years and his current stress and concern over the uncertainty of the city's future.  About C.O. Bigelow: Nestled in Greenwich Village, C.O. Bigelow was founded in 1838 by Dr. Galen Hunter, and the store was originally called The Village Apothecary Shop until it was was bought and renamed by his employee Clarence Otis Bigelow in 1880. For nearly two centuries, C.O. Bigelow has served some of the country’s most prominent personalities including Eleanor Roosevelt, Mark Twain and, legend has it, Thomas Edison, who is said to have used a salve to soothe his burnt fingers while inventing the lightbulb. Since 1939, C.O. Bigelow has been owned and operated by the Ginsberg family. Daily operations are overseen by third-generation owner and President, Ian Ginsberg RPh, and his son, Alec, PharmD at C.O. Bigelow today. The brand fuses its decades of knowledge with the best of today’s technology to create authentic and effective solutions to everyday problems. Many of C.O. Bigelow's formulas are based on the apothecary’s original recipes—including Lemon Body Cream, which dates back to 1870—while others are inspired by ingredients found while scouring the globe.  With a focus on honest ingredients, all products are are cruelty-free and prepared with minimal preservatives. C.O. Bigelow’s unique product range, brand heritage and store location continue to draw locals and tourists alike looking to enjoy a memorable shopping experience and premium products. The retailer serves a diverse clientele from its online shop and its landmark brick-and-mortar store, where a dedicated team fills prescriptions, provides personalized service, and sells a wide array of beauty and personal care products from the company’s namesake brand and a collection of their favorite brands from across the globe. C.O. Bigelow products are also sold in luxury boutiques, lifestyle stores, and department stores in the US and abroad. You can find more about C.O Bigelow by visiting their website https://www.bigelowchemists.com/ and you can follow them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cobigelow/.  Feel free to direct any questions, comments or feedback to thecityconfessions@gmail.com regarding this podcast or episode. --- Support this podcast: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecityconfessions/support" rel="payment">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecityconfessions/support</a>