5 Reasons You Should Use an Independent Pharmacy:

Shorter Wait Times:

Tired of waiting for your prescription? Say goodbye to hour-long waits for your prescription at your local pharmacy. If you instruct your prescription to be sent to a local pharmacy, chances are, your prescription will be ready within minutes. Large chain pharmacies are typically understaffed and overwhelmed filling all their prescriptions. It could be said that some pharmacies purposely keep customers waiting as a marketing strategy to encourage them to look around the store and hopefully make a purchase.

Individual Attention and Focus:

At your local pharmacy, you’re more than just a number. The pharmacist and techs know your name and maybe even your family. When you arrive to pick up your prescription, it’s ready in a timely manner and the staff is always available to devote the time needed to make sure you fully understand how to use it. Independent pharmacies are also able to offer their customers additional services like preventative care options, health monitoring and in-store vaccinations.

“Above & Beyond” Customer Service:

Large corporate pharmacies tend to serve the shareholders invested in the company. So, the focus can never be solely on the customer experience. Small independent pharmacies are typically privately owned; therefore, customer service is the top priority along with making everyone feel like a valued customer. The atmosphere in your locally-owned pharmacy promotes relationship building and conversation. Questions and concerns can be answered quickly and thoroughly, allowing customers to feel more confident in taking their medications. When it comes to finding alternatives to an expensive medication for a customer, an independent pharmacy will have the time to dedicate to satisfy this need.

Flexible Drug Packaging & Special Orders:

Large corporate pharmacies are bound by strict limitations when it comes to the packaging of medications and prescriptions. Small independent pharmacies go the extra step to offer prescription packaging solutions that make taking multiple medications easier for the customer to adhere to. Large chain pharmacies seem to make cost and time efficiency a priority over customer well-being.

Shop Local, Support Local:

Unlike large chain pharmacies, a lot of the money spent at local businesses is recycled back into the community through sponsorships and donations. Local business owners have the authority to make decisions that not only benefit their business but benefit the community as well. Not only are you supporting your friend’s and neighbors as risk-taking, hardworking entrepreneurs, but you’re contributing to the well-being and uniqueness of your community. It is only in small businesses that you will find new and innovative concepts that would otherwise be rejected by large corporate chains. It’s those creative concepts from the small one-of-a-kind local businesses that truly give your area a distinct personality and flavor.

If fast, friendly and family-owned sounds like the pharmacy for you, then stop by Northgate Pharmacy. As a part of the Clifton Companies, Northgate has been locally owned and operated for 35 years and exudes the traditional values you’d expect to find in a hometown pharmacy. The Northgate team strives to do everything possible to ensure the best experience and customer service with every trip.

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