The new owners of Port Fairy’s only pharmacy admit they’ve got big shoes to fill, replacing 40 year veterans David and Joan McLean.
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New owners Perri McCarthy and Jeng Lim have been in the role for six weeks and said the Port Fairy community had embraced them.
Mr Lim is operating the Pharmacy Neo store, which is one of five pharmacies in the group.
Ms McCarthy owns the four other Melbourne-based stores which are part of the independent chain.
Ms McCarthy said one thing that appealed to them when they looked at buying the business was that it was a one pharmacy town which was unusual these days.
“We knew it was a good business already but it had a bit of potential,” she said. “We’re rapt we’ve got it.
“We’re going to continue all of the services that David and Joan (McLean) had because they’re big shoes to fill. Those two were here for a long time and everyone loved them.”
Ms McCarthy said the store would be more competitive and they would price match where they could with prescriptions.
“If people want to ask us about a price they’ve got cheaper we’ll price match it.
“We’re going to offer some new ranges and freshen up the stock. We’ve got the same friendly faces. They’re still here, no one’s leaving.”
Mr Lim will be the face of the store and has relocated to Port Fairy with his wife Suzanne to operate the business.
“I’m going to be here for a long long time,” he said. “I’m liking Port Fairy.
“It’s a beautiful town. A long time ago my wife and I talked about going to the country to live for a few years at least. The opportunity came up and there was a pharmacy here.”
He said the customers had been welcoming and he was looking forward to meeting more people as time went on.
“I want to thank whoever has been loyal to David. We want to keep everyone loyal and happy here and we welcome new customers as well.”
Mr Lim said they would introduce quality vitamin ranges, new cosmetic ranges to cater for different price points and some new giftware.
He hopes to extend the store’s opening hours once he finds another pharmacist to work in the business which will enable them to trade seven days.
Currently the Sackville Street store is open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday.
