Independent Pharmacy Battles Drug Store Giants

BROWNS MILLS - In a town full of drug store giants, Powers Pharmacy on Lakehurst Road, is still making it work.

Independent pharmacies like Powers face stiff competition from major chains, mail order and mass merchandisers.

"It's always been my philosophy that if I take good care of my patients, and treat others the way I'd like to be treated, that everything will work out somehow," John Powers, R.Ph. (Registered Pharmacist), and owner of the pharmacy said.

Powers worked for Bowen's Pharmacy, another independent pharmacy, for 12 years before opening his own store six years ago. "After Bowen's sold to Rite Aid, given the competition, I was worried. But I was lead by my faith that things would work out," Powers said.

Powers said patients followed him from the other store, and today the pharmacy is still filling new prescriptions every day. "We've been lucky because the people in this community have gone out of their way to support us. It was scary, not knowing whether people were going to walk through the door."

Even before the store opened, Powers said the people of Browns Mills and Pemberton showed their support to the new business. "When we were setting up the store residents came in, rolled up their sleeves, and asked how they could help. I was very humbled by the fact that the people here were willing to volunteer their time to help me," Powers said.

As an independent pharmacy, Powers said he and the staff are able to meet the needs of the patients where others cannot, and have a strong commitment to serving the healthcare needs of the community with personal and efficient service. "It is our first priority to respond to the needs of our patients, and to provide them with the best possible care," Powers said. It is store policy to have a sufficient supply of products his patients' request, and if the store does not have an item, it will be available within 24 hours.