Taking away the drugs: HomeTown Pharmacy leaves Glen Arbor

From staff reports

HomeTown Pharmacy announced yesterday that the Newaygo-based drugstore chain will close its Glen Arbor location, effective May 1.

“Our business in Glen Arbor has been a nice location for us, and one that we were working very hard to see grow and continue on,” wrote regional manager Anna Rider. “However, with the local (Doctor Matthew Houghton’s) decision to retire, the business took a marked decrease in prescription volume. An already low volume went lower, and the sustainability was not looking like it would ever be regained. The decision is not an easy one. We will truly do our best to make sure that every customer in the Glen Arbor area receives the best care possible.”

Rider told the Glen Arbor Sun yesterday that prescriptions had fallen by 25-30 percent since Houghton announced his sudden retirement last month. The space occupied by the pharmacy is owned by the Martin Company, whose real estate company is next door. No word yet on what might occupy that space, but the summer tourism season is fast approaching.

HomeTown Pharmacy announced that it will continue to serve locations in nearby Suttons Bay and Honor and in two Traverse City locations. It will also offer free delivery service every Thursday to previous customers in this area. Those interested in delivery service are asked to call the Honor location on US-31 at (231) 325-2735.