STOTTS DRUG STORE

Local business continues family tradition

Established by L.O. Stotts in 1927, Stotts Drug Store is one of the oldest retail businesses in Searcy. With a long history in the community, the business still offers the same customer-focused service.

After Stotts died in 1965, Roger Williams, who married Stotts’ daughter Virginia, stepped in and ran the business until 2011, when he died.

Today, Nancy Williams Showalter, the daughter of Roger Williams and the granddaughter of founder Stotts, is keeping the family business alive as a third-generation pharmacist. Showalter graduated from Northeast Louisiana University’s pharmacy school in 1985.

At first, she planned to work for her father for only a short period of time, then move out of state. But after six months, she knew she was where she belonged — with her family.

“We pride ourselves on our family taking care of your family,” Showalter said. “We have third-generation customers whose grandparents were customers of my grandfather.”

Stotts Drug Store offers a wide variety of gifts, including Arthur Court and Woodwick candles, plus a jewelry boutique inside the store that carries jewelry, watches, scarves and designer purses.

Showalter’s husband, Roy, is active in the business and is involved in the merchandising of jewelry and gifts.

Stotts Drug Store offers immunizations, as well as blood-pressure screenings and free delivery within the city limits of Searcy.

“Once customers try us, they see what it is like to do business with someone who wants their business and wants to take care of them,” Showalter said.