Buzz
Do you recall the local drugstore from back in the day? Is it still operating, or has it closed its doors for good?
1. Cunningham Drugs
Cunningham Drugs was founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1889, and quickly grew to become the largest drugstore chain in the state. The chain expanded into several other states but struggled in later years. By 1991, the last remaining Cunningham's locations, all in Florida, were shut down.
2. Perry Drug Stores
Perry opened its first store in 1957 in Pontiac, Michigan, and later acquired the struggling Cunningham's chain in 1985. The company expanded into the auto parts market, eventually launching 200 Auto Works stores across eight Midwestern states. In 1995, Perry was acquired by Rite Aid.
3. Arbor Drugs
A major player in Michigan's retail scene, Arbor once ranked as the eighth largest drugstore chain in the United States. In 1979, it became one of the first to integrate computerized record-keeping, linking all stores electronically. Arbor even had William Schallert, Patty Duke's TV father, as its charming spokesperson. In 1993, the company faced scandal when it was accused of overcharging Blue Cross by $17 million. The matter was resolved out of court, and five years later, CVS purchased the chain.
4. Big V Drugstore
Big V was founded in Windsor and quickly grew to become one of the leading pharmacy chains in Ontario, Canada. Several factors contributed to their success: their stores were strategically placed in neighborhoods, as opposed to being limited to shopping malls like their competitor, Shoppers Drug Mart (which eventually overtook them); their aisles were carpeted, creating a quieter, more 'professional' atmosphere; and they were open on Sundays, unlike most other retailers in Ontario.
5. Phar-Mor
Phar-Mor, headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio, reached its peak in the early 1990s with over 300 stores. Sam Walton, a giant in the retail world, once remarked that Mickey Monus, Phar-Mor’s founder, was the only competitor he truly feared. However, Monus’ success came to a sudden halt in 1992 when he was charged with embezzlement and later convicted on 107 federal counts of fraud.
6. Revco Discount Drug Stores
At its height, Revco (short for Registered Vitamin Company) operated 2,500 stores nationwide. In 1983, the company faced a major setback when its store-brand vitamins were blamed for the deaths of several premature infants. This was followed by a failed attempt to expand into non-core products like TVs and furniture, which resulted in financial losses. CVS ultimately acquired the chain in 1997.
7. Rexall Drugs
In 1902, entrepreneur Louis Liggett acquired 40 independent pharmacies and established the United Drug Stores cooperative, which marketed products under the name Rexall—a clever nod to the Rx symbol used for prescriptions. Following World War II, Liggett transformed Rexall into a franchise model, allowing independent stores to adopt the Rexall name and sell its goods for a fee. By 1958, Rexall had expanded to 11,158 locations across the United States, making it the country's largest drugstore franchise. Unfortunately, in 1985, Rexall fell victim to a hostile takeover, leading to a rapid and sharp decline for the company.
8. Fay's Drugs
The first Fay's Drugs opened in Fairmount, New York, in 1958. The store was named after the wife of founder Henry Panasci, Faye, though he intentionally omitted the 'e' to save on the cost of signage. By 1995, Fay's had become the largest 'super drug store' chain in the Northeast. From the start, Fay's locations in suburban areas featured convenient paved, well-lit parking—an uncommon benefit at the time. In 1996, JC Penney acquired Fay's.
9. Happy Harry's Discount Drugs
When Harry Levin opened his first store in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1962, it was called Discount Center. His warm demeanor and friendly service earned him the affectionate nickname 'Happy Harry' from his loyal customers. By the time he opened his third store in 1965, he officially renamed his growing chain. Upon Harry's passing in 1987, his business had expanded to 75 locations across Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. In 2006, Walgreens acquired the chain.
10. K & B
Gustave Katz and Sydney J. Besthoff built their pharmacy business in New Orleans, and to this day, locals still refer to a specific shade of violet as 'K & B purple' due to the distinctive color of the chain's signs, uniforms, and cash registers. Rite Aid purchased this Gulf Coast favorite in 1997.
11. Eckerd
Despite a name that may evoke a sound of something being cleared from one's throat, Eckerd was once the fourth-largest drugstore chain in the United States. However, in 2004, the publicly traded company was split into various segments, with its assets being sold or merged with companies ranging from JC Penney to Brooks Pharmacy, Rite Aid, and Walgreens.
