By George Anderson
Independent drug stores deliver better service and, at least in some cases, lower prices than the big chains, according to a survey of 32,000 readers of
Consumer Reports.
Eighty-five percent of respondents visiting an independent pharmacy said they were "completely satisfied" or "very satisified" with the experience, compared to 58 percent of chain store shoppers.
The biggest complaint of shoppers were not being able to obtain prescription drugs because they were out-of-stock. Here too, independents graded out better than the chains. When a drug was not in stock, independents were able to restock more quickly. Eighty percent of independent store shoppers said their medications were in stock within 24-hours while only 55 to 60 percent of chain drug and other stores were able to do the same?
Moderator's Comment: What is the state of independent pharmacies in the US? How do Mom and Pop stores without the marketing muscle of the chains get their message to consumers who do not even consider them as a shopping destination?
We never have to wait on line at our local independent pharmacy, which is good for us, but not for the pharmacy owner with too few customers. [George Anderson - Moderator]