Local pharmacies brace for Rite Aid
By Alex Davis, News Assistant

With the new Rite Aid building and, most recently, its prominent signs dominating the landscape in east Emporium, the local pharmacies are digging in to battle the new kid on the block.

The 11,000 sq. ft. Rite Aid, being built on the former Jubilee Foods/Market Basket lot on Allegany Ave., will complement its pharmacy with a grocery section, various retail items, bright lights, ample parking and a drive-up window for prescriptions.

The chain has been the death knell for traditional familyowned and operated pharmacies in many communities, but the two in Emporium are digging in and expecting to hold their ground after Rite Aid opens as soon as late March.

Emporium Pharmacy owner June Caldwell said she believes local customers will remain loyal and recognize the advantages a hometown pharmacy has over a chain.

"For one thing, we emphasize customer service and confidentiality," she said, pointing out that the pharmacy has a secure room where customers can speak one-onone with the pharmacist.

Emporium Pharmacy, which already is open on Sundays - a rarity for a small-town independent - plans to expand its hours even more.

Across the street at Lundberg Pharmacy, customer service will remain the same, said pharmacist Blair Lundberg.

"I don't really see us changing anything," he said, pointing out that customers are satisfied with the way the business has been operated over the years and will likely remain so.

Lundberg stands firm in his belief that a town of Emporium's size doesn't need a fourth pharmacy.

Operators at Medicine Shoppe of Emporium declined to comment on the arrival of Rite Aid.