THERE IS a long-held debate about when the first drugstore appeared in the United States. According to the website drugstoremuseum.com, some claim that the first drugstore in America was in New Orleans around 1823. They claim this is the first drugstore in America because the first registered pharmacist in America started it. The other presumed first drugstore in America is in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and dates back to the Revolutionary War. Mrs. George Washington was one of the patients of this drugstore. However, it didn’t have a registered pharmacist as its originator.
Whatever side you might take, there is no denying that the drugstore has been a long-standing American staple that has helped communities battle illnesses and educates themselves on and about their health.
The drugstore is still just as popular as it was 200 years ago. Over its 200 years of evolution, it has become a place of community where people come for more than just medicine. They come for a kind word or to pick up a gift for a newborn, a birthday, or a sick friend. In some drugstores, you can still grab a bite and catch up on the latest gossip or sit for a spell and enjoy a sweet treat while you wait for a prescription.
Drugstores are more than just an in-and-out business; they are a hub and heart for the community.
Since the 1960s, The Tullahoma Drug Store has provided the community with the best care and customer service. For 60 years, they have worked diligently to treat patients like family, promote safe and effective medication use, and actively participate in the community.
The Tullahoma Drug Store is locally owned by David McGee, an independent pharmacist, who has held the drug store since the 1980s. He is assisted by his staff pharmacists, Jan Taylor, Shanna Brooks, and Amy Smith.
McGee said the drug store has a dedicated crew that enjoys working together.
“We have a great crew,” said McGee. “I’ve got the best employees that you could ask for. Jan [Taylor] has been with me for 25 years, and if I could find another two or three like her, I’d have another two or three stores. But she is great, and all my employees are great. We work well together. They all pitch in and help each other out. We’re all kind of fixtures and know each other well, and we enjoy working together.”
and added that the drugstore is also made unique with its devoted staff and group of pharmacists that work diligently to care for each customer that comes through the door.
“It’s gratifying being able to have a great staff to work with and in such a family-oriented atmosphere,” she added. “We all care about each other. David also makes that easy because he’s also very easy to work for.”
She added there had been several changes over the years.
“When it comes to the pharmacy side of things, we’ve certainly upgraded when it comes to technology,” she said. “Insurance plays a much bigger role than it ever has. While it is more restrictive, it has not changed the level of customer service we offer. Because we are locally and independently owned, we are allowed to be more personal customer oriented than some of the chains.”
Taylor said that the drugstore’s selection of items in the store’s gift shop has also grown.
“Inside the store, our gift shop area has grown exponentially,” she said. “We had a remodel around 15 years ago, but since then, we have continued adding unique and fun items. David’s daughter, Kimberly Miller, is the buyer for the store and is constantly bringing in items that would make great gifts for someone or just something special for yourself.”
The store is also a Hallmark Gold Crown Store. A long-held and well-known name in the card industry, being a part of the Crown program represents the benchmark of excellence for striving to provide the very best retail stage for the premiere selection of Hallmark products.
Taylor said she is blessed by just how much of a family atmosphere the drugstore has become over the years.
“We have a need fund set up at the counter for people to donate to. These donations can help someone struggling and needing their medication paid for. It’s amazing to see the people who donate. We have a gentleman who donates and is also a cancer patient. He just wants to help where he can. It’s heart-warming that we all can come together and help in whatever we can.”
McGee added that being an independent pharmacy allows his staff to interact more with their customers.
“As an independent pharmacy, it allows us the opportunity to have a relationship with the people in the community,” he said. “We get to know the patient more because we have more time to spend with them. We’re not pushing you in to get you back out quickly. We’re there to answer questions and listen to the customers’ concerns. I think it’s also essential that we interact with the community. We go to schools and civic clubs and talk and interact with them as often as possible.”
As she approaches her 35th year of being a pharmacist, Taylor added that she understands just how important it is to treat people like family instead of numbers.
“I’m coming up on 35 years of being a pharmacist,” explained Taylor. “The great thing is our ability to make a difference in people’s lives, whether it’s a small gesture or keeping their medicine in line, which is just what I do. But I like feeling that we may make their life a little bit better and easier. We treat everybody as family and help them out whenever we can.” GN
