Sandpoint Super Drug named top business
(Photo courtesy GREATER SANDPOINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE) Scott Porter receives the Business of the Month award from Bob Witte, Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce board member, recently.
SANDPOINT —Sandpoint Super Drug has been selected as the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Month.
The Porters opened Sandpoint Super Drug in 1973 on First Avenue where Zany Zebra is today — a small hometown pharmacy with gifts, candy, cosmetics and some over the counter items. In 1985, they bought their current building on Fifth Avenue, which was formerly MJ Grocery. The new space was much bigger than the first location at 15,000 square feet and, in deciding what to do with the rest of the space, John was inspired from growing up in North Dakota where there was always a hardware store next to a pharmacy and decided to bring in ACE Hardware.
John's son Scott now runs the store, which is truly a family-owned business. Scott's brother and sister have both worked for the business and many of the 20 employees have been with the company for over 20 years.
“John passed away about eight weeks ago and judging by the number of people who attended his service, he was obviously one of the most popular citizens in Sandpoint history,” said Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Board member Bob Witte. “His legacy will live on forever and Scott plans on carrying on the family tradition for the next 40-plus years.”
Their pharmacy offers automated online refills with email and text alerts, an average wait time of just five minutes, year-round vaccines, free in-town delivery, bubble pack medications and are nearly always open. They're open on Saturdays and Sundays and are only closed four days a year. They are also fully accredited through Medicare as a Durable Medical Equipment seller, offering diabetic shoes, canes, crutches, wheel chairs, braces and more.
In addition to the pharmacy and hardware, Sandpoint Super Drug also sells vitamins, herbal products, digital photo prints, housewares, home décor, cards, cooking and canning supplies, and more. Their slogan it that they're more than a store, they're a super store — a place people go when they're looking for something they can't find anywhere else.
“Sandpoint Super Drug has always been involved with local non-profits and charitable organizations and I'd need about half an hour to name all of them! Let's just say it's basically every one,” said Witte. They've also been a big support to the chamber of commerce, sponsoring events and donating medical supplies to the annual Scenic Half Marathon.
Information: Sandpoint Super Drug, phone, 208-263-1408; online, sandpointsuperdrug.com; on Facebook; or visit the store at 604 N. Fifth Ave.