Naz Rayani’s Living Legacy – Pharmacy’s new name reflects founder’s community spirit

Naz Rayani has always worn his heart on his sleeve, but now he’s displaying it across his five Victoria pharmacies as the veteran pharmacist re-brands his stores as Heart Pharmacy.

The patriarch of the Rayani clan — all of whom are involved in the business — is changing the signage, which until June 1 read People’s Drug Mart.

“Heart to me means love, service and the community,” said the soft spoken Naz, who has retired from dispensing at his pharmacies but not from doling out hugs and warm handshakes to his customers.

And that kind of interaction is at the core of what Rayani hopes the re-branding exercise will mean for the company that has pharmacies in Cadboro Bay, at the University of Victoria, in Shelbourne Plaza, Fairfield Plaza and near the corner of Moss Street and Fairfield Road.

“It’s Heart because caring for the community and the customer was what Naz was all about and what defined him and his success,” said daughter and pharmacist Zahra Rayani-Kanji.

“It’s about our honouring that and reconnecting to it, recommitting to it and communicating that message to the communities we serve.”

According to Naz’s son and president of Heart Pharmacy, Rasool Rayani, the name also captures the fact it is a family enterprise and will carry on the standard Naz has set.

“It’s really a tribute to Naz. He has a really deep connection with people who are customers, clients and people who have worked with him in the non-profit field,” said Rasool. “He’s a loving and empathetic person.”

The re-branding is more than a name and logo change.