Despite the steady expansion of retail pharmacies owned by large corporations, there is still a place in the market for an old-fashioned, independently owned drugstore.
Erik Johnson and Richard Ploude, both licensed pharmacists, recently opened Anawan Drug in the center of Rehoboth. They plan to get to know people in the community and establish a personal trust with customers, which traditionally was the role of the local pharmacist.
The business partners selected the town because it didn’t have a pharmacy and is growing in population, according to Johnson. Both men have worked as pharmacists for years, according to Johnson. His career began as a cashier at a CVS. Eventually, he went to pharmacy school.
Anawan Drug offers drive-through service and home delivery of orders. It is located at Routes 44 and 118, in what passes for the business center of the small town. Even in winter, Johnson said he plans to make sure the customers can have items delivered, for a small fee, to their homes.
“It’s all about consumer access. We want to make it as easy as possible,” said Johnson. •
