Owens plans to open 9th pharmacy at former Blockbuster store

Independent pharmacies are no different from your neighborhood supermarket or dress shop.

Whether it's the big-box discounter down the block or the Internet, it's tough to survive in today's retail environment.

But Owens Healthcare has faced the challenge and is growing.

The Redding-based company will open its ninth retail pharmacy this summer on Lake Boulevard just north of the Raley's-ShopKo shopping center.

John Friesen, whose father, Royce, bought the pharmacy business more than 40 years ago, said Owens has grown from a tiny drugstore to a company that has found its mark.

"We are what I would consider a niche," said Friesen, Owens' chief executive officer. "We are not small like a one-store operation, but we also are not a 5,000-store Walgreens. We are kind of in between."

Over the past few years, Owens has opened new locations on Churn Creek Road, inside a former scooter shop across from Four Corners, and on Continental Street in downtown Redding.

Royce Friesen bought Owens from founders Harold and Gertrude Owens in 1971. The business had two pharmacies in Redding and eight employees.

Owens today has about 125 employees.

With eight retail pharmacies, Friesen said that affords Owens buying clout to compete against the national chains.

Link:
Owens plans to open 9th pharmacy at former Blockbuster store