In little more than a week, an independent East Durham pharmacy will be closing its doors against all efforts to remain open.
Russell’s Pharmacy and Shoppe will join other mom-and-pop stores that unfortunately folded in the last few years.
Dr. Darius Russell says the industry has changed dramatically over the past several months. He explains that regulation changes and the high cost of some medicines have become impossible to handle.
“We actually wanted to make it to our six-year anniversary. We just couldn’t financially stay open another month,” said Russell. “When reimbursement tremendously started going down and there was a lot less that was coming in, we cannot survive.”
Customer Will Shelton says he used to fill prescriptions at big box stores, but he appreciates the interpersonal relationship at the Angier Avenue store.
We just couldn’t financially stay open another month.
“His whole thing is he takes the people very seriously,” said Shelton. “He loves what he does.”
The pharmacy is a family affair.