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Futrell did bring in an old family friend to help with the new endeavor. Lori Jones, who like Futrell grew up in Jackson, is the new pharmacist, but other than that, only small changes are on the horizon.
Initially, Futrell thought about changing the storefront to Futrell Pharmacy. “I find the building very attractive, so I really hate to even mess with the sign,” Futrell said. “I really like it the way it is. I tried to design my labels to match it. It’s basically Futrell Pharmacy of Littleton, but I don’t have any problem with leaving the sign as Littleton Pharmacy.”
“I don’t see any dramatic changes in the near future. There may be some little things that I change, but nothing major. We may put in an area where we can do private counseling. We need that,” he said, “an area where you can speak with the patient in private.”
That is one of the things Futrell has noticed about older pharmacies, or drug stores, as they used to be called. “Older pharmacies aren’t designed for that and you kind of work around it, but I find it a whole lot easier if you have a place you can just step into and people can be very open with you and you with them. So, I think you’ll see that change within the next few months. Plus I plan to do just some minor remodeling, but nothing major.”
New pharmacist Jones is currently living in Raleigh with her husband and two golden retrievers. She is commuting to Littleton. “I worked for Bill before, in Jackson, so I came on to help out. I really like the small town atmosphere and the way you can get to know your customers. You really can’t do that in the larger pharmacies.”
Futrell agreed, saying he likes to know everyone in the community and feels he can better serve their needs than the chain stores. “The pricing is pretty much the same, since basically the insurance companies charge you the same price at my pharmacy than they do at any other. The insurance plans mandate that.” He feels the real difference is service and knowing the customer.
Both Futrell and Jones plan to take the next few months getting to know the community where they now work. “I really enjoy meeting all the people and getting to know them,” said Jones. “Everyone here has been so nice. I really like it here.”
She has no immediate plans to relocate to the Lake Gaston area, but did not rule out the possibility. “You just never know,” she said with a smile, “We’re going to spend time getting to know the area and we’ll just see what happens.”
Likewise with Futrell, who has lived all his life in the Jackson community. He has no plans to move his family. “I really like the area, but we’re happy where we are for now.”
Other than a new pharmacist, Futrell plans to keep all of the current employees.
When previous owner Jimmy King turned in his pharmaceutical license back in September of 2008, many feared it was the end for the small town pharmacy. Thanks to Futrell, the little pharmacy in Littleton will carry on as usual.
His original store, Futrell Pharmacy, is in Jackson which he has owned and operated that store for 25 years. In 2006, he purchased Hollings-worth Pharmacy in Rich Square.
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