Newburgh Pharmacy | Ontario East

Newburgh Pharmacy

Growing up in a small community in northern New Brunswick, Jennifer Bergeron enjoyed the benefits of the friendly, co-operative atmosphere and more relaxed pace of life. 

After moving to Ontario and living in Kingston for several years, when it came time to open her own pharmacy she wanted it to be in place where she could feel a similar vibe. A few months after moving to Yarker, Bergeron opened Newburgh Pharmacy, a full-service pharmacy and retail outlet in the picturesque Stone Mills Township community.

The community feels like "home"...

“It’s such a good work/life balance that I have now. I have a six-year-old son and a dog so we can all be active and enjoy the outdoors. Because of where I grew up I am really comfortable in this sort of community. It’s what feels like home. The 10 minutes I spend on country roads getting to work every morning is a pretty good commute,” said Bergeron, who has been a pharmacist since the turn of the 21st century, after graduating from Newfoundland’s Memorial University.

Besides offering a full suite of prescription services, Newburgh Pharmacy also helps facilitate health and wellness clinics and information sessions, as well as having a bustling retail operation.

“Away from the pharmacy side we have all the over-the-counter medications and first aid. We also have health and beauty and cleaning supplies and there is also a small gift section as well as a toy section,” Bergeron said, explaining that she is always listening to what customers want and need. Being part of the PharmaChoice organization has allowed for her to remain autonomous in her business operations, but benefit from larger group buying and promotional power. 

"When people come in I'd hope they notice the friendly atmosphere and stop in for a chat as well as for their pharmacy needs. Customer service and friendliness is what we aim to excel at. We are really a community pharmacy, tailoring services to the individual. We offer products and focus our information sessions on what people are looking for. I am always asking questions as to how I can make things better and more convenient for folks. And I would say that’s really been the focus of our business and how we’ve been successful so far.”

Marketing strategy paying dividends

It has been a bit of a challenge to communicate this message to potential customers in the area, but Bergeron believes she has built a lot of interest and brand momentum since opening in August of 2014. 

“I think it’s important to be a real part of the community, so I am very involved in a lot of community activities and fundraisers. But it’s still a bit of a challenge. Even 2 ½ years later I still get people through the door who didn’t realize there was even a pharmacy in Newburgh. So I am still working to get people to know that we are here and also get people to realize that we’re more than just a prescription-based pharmacy – that we have so much more to offer,” she said, adding that social media has been a big part of her overall marketing strategy, and that it’s been paying dividends. 

“I find advertising hyper-locally and directly to the people will bring people into my business. We also have a flyer program as well, and they are mailed out locally. So, between the two its working.”

Newburgh Pharmacy is located at 2068 County Road 1 East in Newburgh. The store is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm and Saturdays from 9am to 3pm. For more information visit their website or call 613-378-2220.

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