Others digging in as Rite Aid opens

Landscaping and parking lot work were among the finishing touches being applied last week as the 11,000 sq. ft. Rite Aid, on the former Jubilee Foods lot, prepared for its opening. The pharmacy is complemented by a grocery section, various retail items, free parking and a drive-up window for prescriptions.

With Rite Aid Pharmacy, complete with a merchandise center and groceries, opening its doors, Emporium's two surviving pharmacies are digging in for the competition.

Medicine Shoppe, a fixture in the community for 16 years, is emphasizing its free parking, delivery service and blood pressure screenings, as well as a drive-up window.

Meanwhile, at Emporium Pharmacy, owner June Caldwell said she believes local customers will remain loyal and recognize the advantages a hometown pharmacy has over a chain. Her business, already open seven days a week, is expanding its hours even more.

Emporium Pharmacy is also emphasizing is "drive to service" deliveries.

As reported last week, Lundberg Pharmacy and Gifts, across Fourth Street from Emporium Pharmacy, will close its doors after more than 50 years of serving the community. Pharmacist Blair Lundberg and several employees are going to work for Rite Aid on East Allegheny Avenue.

Emporium Borough Manager Rob Aversa said the loss of Lundberg Pharmacy and Gifts from the downtown business scene is regrettable, but pointed out that things could be worse.

"In this case, although we lose one business, we also gain a business," Aversa pointed out. "In some respects, it's good for that part of town because Rite Aid could be an anchor tenant there and other businesses could start up, or the current businesses could grow."

Aversa also confirmed that the borough is seeking a buyer for the former Tino's Italian Restaurant at the corner of Fourth and Broad streets. A real estate appraisal was recently conducted and the building is being advertised.