Rose Drug Company closing its doors
After over 100 years of serving the West Point community, the Rose Drug Company is planning on closing its doors. Owners Andy Williams, Gayle Kennedy, and Connie Hudson announced this closure to the community earlier this month. Today is the last day that a prescription can be filled at the Rose Drug Company.
“I've gotten to know so many people that I would never have gotten to had I not worked here,” Hudson said. “My dad bought this business when I was three years old. It was established even before that. And everyone here, including Andy and Gayle, have put our whole hearts into running it. But we're going to miss seeing people every day in the store.”
The pharmacy side of the Rose Drug Company has been purchased by CVS, who will be taking over all of the prescriptions that were previously filled by Rose. On Thursday, January 26, Rose Drug Company will be closed to facilitate the transfer of pharmacy materials to CVS.
In a joint statement from the company's owners, Williams, Hudson, and Kennedy wrote, “We thank you, the customers, for many years of loyalty where we have been privileged to serve you as family and friends. We are excited that CVS has purchased the pharmacy and will continue to offer you hometown service here in West Point. Andy Williams will be working there to continue to meet your needs.”
On January 27, Rose Drug Company will reopen at 9 am, with some sales on over-thecounter products up to 50% off. The Rose Drug Company will stay open until its gift department has been liquidated or its inventory has otherwise been sold. Starting on Monday, January 24, the gift shop of Rose Drug Company will be open from 10 am to 5 pm, until the gift shop is empty.
“The brides who have credit here will not have to worry,” said Hudson. “We still will be selling their items… And everyone who has gift certificates needs to bring them in by February 28. We ask that anyone who has credit comes in and settles it before February 28.”
Hudson expressed hopes that someone will come in and take over the gift shop side of the company. She hopes that Rose Drug Company's closure will not remove an upscale shopping experience from West Point. She hopes that the next business that moves into the space might also utilize it as a gift shop.
“I'm turning 70 this year, and Gayle and Andy also
feel like it's time,” said Hudson. “But most people who want a gift shop don't want a drug store, and those that
want a drug store don't want a gift shop. So we tried to find someone to sell to for a long time, and we finally just decided that it was time.”
Until the Rose Drug Company finally closes its doors, the gift shop location can be
e
contacted at 662-494-3342. The old phone number for the pharmacy will be routed directly to the CVS pharmacy in town.
“The people are what we're going to miss the most. That's what I'm going to
miss. Seeing people, talking to them, seeing if they've gotten better and if their kids are feeling better,” said Hudson. “Andy and Gayle were taking care of people for a long time, and I was just talking to them.”