On Large-Chain Stores

Our community, like many before it, is suffering the loss of a familiar face: a store that we have patronized for decades.

About 18 months ago, Walgreens came to town. It boasted long hours (open 'til 10 pm) and a drive-through pharmacy. In addition, it had a photo center.

I'm not a particular fan of Walgreens, but I have patronized the photo center, because other stores in town had closed theirs down. Apart from that, I wasn't impressed with the store. It's relatively small, has cramped parking space, and limited selection.

Yet, this week, unannounced, all of our prescriptions were moved from Drug Fair to Walgreens! My first experience, with a prescription renewal, was not encouraging. Although the drug records had been transferred, apparently all other associated information - like allergies and preferences - was not.

Today, I drove to the Drug Fair, and saw the large posters: Store Closing, All Inventory Must Go, Everything 10 to 50% Off.

So, once again, a large-chain store muscles a small-chain store out of the market.

It's a sad day, in Berkeley Heights.

Update: I have learned that Walgreen's actually bought out most (not all) of the Drug Fair stores in my area. Some, like ours, are closing; others, like the one in Florham Park, are being converted to Walgreen's stores.