As local businesses themselves, independent community pharmacies often strive to support other businesses in their communities.
While there are many ways to do this, we talked to one independent community pharmacy chain that has a unique approach.
Bartell Drugs, a family-owned independent community pharmacy chain based in Seattle, hosts an annual “Loving Local” event to celebrate the local businesses that make its community a great place to live and work.
How Bartell Drugs loves local
Bartell Drugs started “Loving Local” week in 2016 to support other homegrown businesses in the Pacific Northwest region. The event is specifically designed to highlight locally-made products.
“As a locally-based business ourselves, we are proud of the relationships that we have built up with other area businesses and we wanted to highlight these relationships and products, thus the genesis of Loving Local,” said Ric Brewer, Senior Communications Manager for Bartell Drugs. “These connections are part of what makes Bartell Drugs a treasured and trusted retailer in western Washington, as our guests value the opportunity to find local products.”
During the event, the pharmacy offers vendor food and drink samplings to showcase local products to its customers. Bartell Drugs also offers in-store events, such as face painting and a caricature artist, to keep guests entertained.
And, customers who visit the store throughout the week can enter to win prize giveaways, such as a night out for two, including a hotel stay and a restaurant gift card.
A win-win for the community
Brewer said vendors and suppliers are enthusiastic when approached to take part in the event, and are happy to provide sampling opportunities. And, guests are excited to see familiar products, as well as to get the chance to learn about new, local products.
This year, Bartell Drugs is also hosting neighborhood food banks so customers can learn about the charities located in their neighborhoods. And, the pharmacy will provide donations to these programs as part of the event.
Bartell Drugs’ “Loving Local” event is a great example of how independent community pharmacies can continue to distinguish themselves from national chain and big box pharmacies and make a difference in their communities.
Check out these four ways your pharmacy can show community support.
