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Edina, Minn.-based food distributor Nash Finch announced Thursday it sold the drug store to Hy-Vee Inc. and discontinued operations in the mall store Friday. All prescriptions and records have been transferred to the Winona Hy-Vee pharmacy at 1475 W. Service Drive.
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Employees of THD Design of Winona remove the Quality Care Pharmacy sign at the Winona Mall Friday in Winona. Hy-Vee officials announced their purchase of Quality Care Pharmacy Thursday. (Photo by Andrew Link/Winona Daily News) |
With the baby boom generation entering retirement age, more pharmacies opening and only one accredited pharmacy program in the state, industry experts warn there’s not enough pharmacists to fill jobs in out-state areas such as Winona.
Representatives from Nash Finch did not return phone messages Friday, but pharmacy staff members made a letter available to patients explaining the situation.
“We thank you for your loyal patronage over the years,” the letter said. “Several factors have entered into our decision, the main reason being there is an over population of pharmacies in the Winona marketplace and an under population of pharmacists to serve in those pharmacies.”
It’s not known what will happen to Quality Care’s staff. Winona Hy-Vee store manager Jeremy Gosh said he hoped to hire some of them.
“It was quick for us, too,” Gosh said. “But I feel strong everything should stay the same — all insurances and co-pays have transferred over.”
Gosh said customers can expect new benefits such as free delivery, free sessions with a dietitian, flu shots and 400 prescriptions available for $4.
Contact reporter Amber Dulek at amber.dulek@lee.net or (507) 453-3513.
