For Colonial Pharmacy president and co-owner Randy Doerr, the idea took some getting used to.
A pharmacy that doubles as an old-fashioned general store?
While certainly unique, the business model has stood the test of time in a small college town of a little more than 4,000. Since its founding in 1967, the family-owned business in downtown New London has relocated three times, thanks largely in part to its success in non-drug related sales.
“It took me awhile to get used to the idea that when people come up here on vacation or they go to their camp on Lake Sunapee, they may have forgotten their pillows – so we’re the nearest place to get pillows,” said Doerr, who began working at the pharmacy in 1983 and became a co-owner in 1990. “And you’ve got college kids – they need sheets and pillows and towels. And the nearest big anything around here is in Lebanon about a half hour away.”
Vice president and fellow co-owner Glenn Perreault said prescriptions still account for the majority of the pharmacy’s business – about 60 percent – but that there’s no denying the reputation its built selling an assortment of country trinkets, souvenirs and general goods.
Unlike some chain pharmacies that may sell the usual greeting cards and bathroom accessories, Perreault said Colonial Pharmacy prides its self in variety – selling everything from books to candles to hardware to sporting goods.
“It’s certainly a big part of who we are, especially in the summer months,” Perreault said.
The pharmacy moved into its current location – a 14,000 square-foot facility on Newport Road – in December, after having occupied a former grocery store inside the New London Shopping Center since 1987.
And while the quarter-mile move down the road into a newer – yet only slightly larger space – may seem curious at first, Doerr said it’s allowed the business to finally implement two features often associated with pharmacies.
“One of the main things we wanted to do was get a bigger parking lot and put in a drive-up window which was kind of a big one,” he said. “Across the street we would have never have been able to do that. That old building was not senior-shopping friendly. It just didn’t work.”
Perreault said feedback regarding the move has been mostly positive, with the exception of some area residents who would have rather seen the vacant lot remain a field.
“It’s been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “The majority are really pleased with the building and they like the way it looks – they like the way it fits into town. They’re super happy that a local business went in here and not a McDonald’s or a Dollar General or something like that.”
As for that unique business model, Doerr said he’s come around. Though he said he also thinks customer service has lent a hand in the pharmacy’s continued success.
“If people live in the area and we treat them right, they seem to hang around,” Doerr said.
Located right in the heart of Sunapee Harbor, the seasonal storefront offers a variety of New Hampshire made gifts from clothing to maple syrup. And if shopping isn’t your thing, relax and play a game of checkers on the front porch. The store is open Fourth of July weekend through Labor Day. 77 Main St., Sunapee. 763-5516.
Right next door to the Wild Goose Country Store in Sunapee Harbor is another quaint storefront with a hyper-local focus. Harborside Trading Company carries its share of lake-specific clothing, as well as greeting cards, jewelry and other treasures. The store is open mid-May until Columbus Day. 81 Main St., Sunapee. 763-9506.
Located inside a 12,00 square-foot, three-story barn, the business offers a large selection of antique and quality custom furniture, as well as original fine art and home decor. And for the second year, Prospect Hill Antiques also has a storefront in Sunapee Harbor located on the corner of Garnet Street and Lake Avenue. The business is open year round. 247 Prospect Hill Road, Sunapee. prospecthillantiques.com. 763-9676.
This family-owned ski shop located near the entrance to Mount Sunapee has been outfitting winter sports enthusiasts since 1952. The shop, run by skilled skiers and snowboarders, carries clothing, equipment and accessories, and also offers reasonably-priced rentals and master boot fitting. The business is open year round. 1411 Route 103, Newbury. bobskinners.com. 763-2303.
Nestled in downtown New London near the campus of Colby-Sawyer College, this recently-renovated water-sports specialty store is a must visit before a day on the lake. Village Sports carries kayaks, canoes, paddle boards bicycles and apparel, and also offers rental options and sound advice from its experienced staff. The store is open year round. 353 Main St., New London. 526-4948.
Family-owned and operated since 1972, this local retailer offers quality clothing and footwear for the whole family in a convenient location near New London Hospital. Hubert’s carries name brands like Nike, Carhart, Birkenstock and Columbia, and also has locations in Claremont, Lebanon and Peterborough. The business is open year round. 219 County Road, New London. huberts.com. 526-4032.