Albion, Avilla, Garrett to lose local drug stores

By Michael Schroeder

The Journal Gazette

Citing continued pressure from mail-order drug sales, reduced insurance payments and a severe pharmacist shortage, the owner and president of three area small town pharmacies announced Wednesday the drug stores are closing.

Fischer Pharmacy & Home Medical in Albion, Fischer Pharmacy & Home Medical in Avilla, and Garrett Pharmacy & Home Medical in Garrett – the only drug stores in each of those towns – will officially close their doors Tuesday, Thomas J. Feichter said.

All prescription patient files will be transferred to CVS locations in Kendallville and Auburn on Dec. 13 and all employees are being hired by CVS, he said.

Feichter bought the Albion and Avilla locations in 2000. He opened the Garrett store in late 2003 selling retail products – and after receiving necessary licensing – began stocking a pharmacy line in early 2004.

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