Like millions of people, I use prescription drugs. I have always gotten my prescription filled at a national pharmacy closest to my home. Unfortunately, I have no co-pay for prescriptions - which, since I am relatively healthy never bothered me. This prescription has always cost me between $40 and $50.00. Since I work downtown, I decided I'd move this prescription to one of the two local pharmacies .

 

 

My reasons were twofold:

 

I expected to pay more. Of course, the large national chain pharmacy, which could buy in quantity, was offering me the absolutely best Rx price available - or least a competitive price. I was willing to pay the  downtown independent pharmacy about $10.00 dollars more and was prepared to do so. 

 

To my dismay, when the clerk at Main Street Pharmacy said, "$12.95", I was shocked! Here I was paying this large national pharmacy around $45.00 and a local independent pharmacy was charging me under $15.00.  

 

This was a valuable lesson for me. Local downtown businesses are competitive and this merchant has earned my business.

 

In the same spirit, I have heard my customers say more than once, "Your prices are much cheaper than...[big box store -which will remain nameless]".

 

Don't assume that you'll pay more when shopping at a downtown Durham business. Compare our prices. 

 

October, 2007