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Avalon Drug closing in 2 weeks
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| Morris stands near a sign notifying customers of the closing. |
By CYNTHIA LESCALLEET
Avalon Drug Co. will close its location at 2427 Westheminer Road in two weeks, its owner has announced.
Pharmacist Bill Morris, who has run the independent pharmacy for 36 years, said “a confluence of events” prompted his recent decision.
Morris is 67 years old — for one thing — and insurance “has made it harder” on independent pharmacy operations, which have low profit margins.
He also pointed to leasing rates that are rising due to the plethora of new construction in the Upper Kirby area.
Morris made the decision to close now, even though his lease runs through May 2010, and sold his pharmacy operations — prescription numbers intact — to CVS at2910 Westheimer Road
In an unusual move, the CVS at 2910 Westheimer Road reportedly will absorb many of Avalon’s practices and accounts, such as the charge and deliver services, Morris said. And he will assist with the transition for a period he has not yet determined.
“I love my customers. I love my work,” he said.
“The last time I had a week off was 1996,” Morris said. “The last time I had two weeks off was 1976.”
Loyal and long-term customer Diane Bateman Biegel said she’s saddened and shocked by the news.
“The reason I don’t go to a big box pharmacy is that I trust the personal service (at Avalon) to get the prescription right.”
Avalon has been a convenient resource as well as a cultivated relationship, she said.
Pharmacist Bill Morris, who has run the independent pharmacy for 36 years, said “a confluence of events” prompted his recent decision.
Morris is 67 years old — for one thing — and insurance “has made it harder” on independent pharmacy operations, which have low profit margins.
He also pointed to leasing rates that are rising due to the plethora of new construction in the Upper Kirby area.
Morris made the decision to close now, even though his lease runs through May 2010, and sold his pharmacy operations — prescription numbers intact — to CVS at
In an unusual move, the CVS at 2910 Westheimer Road reportedly will absorb many of Avalon’s practices and accounts, such as the charge and deliver services, Morris said. And he will assist with the transition for a period he has not yet determined.
“I love my customers. I love my work,” he said.
“The last time I had a week off was 1996,” Morris said. “The last time I had two weeks off was 1976.”
Loyal and long-term customer Diane Bateman Biegel said she’s saddened and shocked by the news.
“The reason I don’t go to a big box pharmacy is that I trust the personal service (at Avalon) to get the prescription right.”
Avalon has been a convenient resource as well as a cultivated relationship, she said.
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