Lincoln Square icon celebrates 150 years of business

In Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, where tree-lined streets meet the hum of independent shops and cafés, Merz Apothecary has been a constant for 150 years. Since 1875, it has served generations of families with unique health, wellness, and personal care products from around the world. Originally founded by Swiss pharmacist Peter Merz, the apothecary was created to serve the city’s growing immigrant community, offering not only remedies but also a sense of familiarity and belonging.

Photo byMerz Apothecary

For decades, it remained a trusted place where neighbors could find herbal medicines, imported toiletries, and expert guidance. By the early 1970s, however, the store faced closure. That’s when a young Indian-born pharmacist named Abdul Qaiyum stepped in. In 1972, just days before Merz was set to shutter its doors, he purchased the business and set out to preserve its heritage. Abdul reimagined Merz as a larger, turn-of-the-century-style European apothecary, complete with rich woodwork, stained glass, and shelves that seemed to tell their own stories.

Under Abdul’s stewardship, the apothecary became a Chicago landmark — a place where Old World charm met modern practicality. In 1998, he and his son Anthony launched Smallflower.com, bringing the shop’s curated selection of remedies, fragrances, and skincare products to a national audience. “Our mission today is the same as it was in 1875,” Anthony explains. “We care for our community, introduce customers to exceptional products, and create a space where everyone feels welcome.”

Photo byMerz Apothecary

Walking into Merz feels like stepping back in time, yet nothing about it is outdated. The store’s wood floors and antique cabinets are stocked with herbal teas, fine fragrances, and specialty items you won’t find in big-box chains. Staff members, many of whom have been there for years, greet customers with genuine warmth and an eagerness to help. “What truly sets us apart is our deep product knowledge and personal service,” Anthony says. “Whether you’re looking for an herbal tea your grandmother once used, a niche fragrance, or a thoughtful gift, every visit feels like a discovery.”

Running a small business for a century and a half hasn’t been without challenges. “We’ve withstood pandemics, neighborhood construction, supply chain disruptions — you name it,” Anthony says with a laugh. “We do it all: protect margins, swap out lightbulbs, and keep the ship steady through whatever comes.” His perspective is rooted in stewardship. “I don’t see myself as the owner so much as the custodian of a 150-year-old institution. My job is to honor our history while making sure we’re ready for the future.”

Photo byMerz Apothecary

For Anthony, the most rewarding moments are often deeply personal. “Some of the most special interactions are when I meet customers who came in as babies with their parents, and who were served by my father. Now they come in with their own children or grandchildren. Those multigenerational relationships are rare, and we treasure them.”

Merz’s legacy extends beyond the store’s walls. The family also operates KOBO, a small candle and home fragrance manufacturing company in Chicago, and continues to grow their private label offerings. Their Smallflower Herbs & Teas blends, still crafted according to recipes dating back to 1875, remain a customer favorite. “It’s about keeping traditions alive while making them relevant for today,” Anthony notes.

Photo byMerz Apothecary

Ultimately, Merz Apothecary’s enduring appeal comes down to its unwavering connection to community. “What motivates me most are the people — our incredible staff, our loyal customers, our Lincoln Square neighbors, and the fellow business owners who make this area so vibrant,” Anthony says. “They remind me every day why it’s worth doing the work to keep Merz strong for the long haul.”

As Merz enters its next chapter, the mission remains clear: to thrive as an independent, family-owned business, to introduce customers to the best products from around the globe, and to ensure that walking through the door always feels like coming home.

Merz Apothecary
📍 4718 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
👤 Owners: Anthony & Abdul Qaiyum and family
🛍 Known for: Herbal remedies, niche fragrances, natural skincare, curated personal care products
💡 Serving Chicago since 1875, family-owned since 1972
🌎 Nationwide online store at Smallflower.com

Open Hours

Mon - Sat: 10a to 6pm