Like any new business owner, Scott Penner admits there were the natural jitters as his Pharmasave franchise launched a year ago. But he also recognized the chance to provide a unique service to Steinbach and the surrounding area.
“Any time you start a business, there’s always uncertainty as to how it will go,” he says. “We saw and felt there was an opportunity to provide the kind of service we wanted to offer as a pharmacy in town.”
A year later, Pharmasave has not only found its feet in the southeast but also enjoyed sustained, robust growth.
“It’s hard to believe a year has gone by already,” reflects Penner, who credits his staff’s relational approach to serving the needs of customers.
“It’s all about relationships, and it even goes beyond relationships with our customers,” he explains. “A customer may know someone who knows someone, and even though Steinbach has grown quite a bit, it’s still a hub of relationships among mothers, fathers, cousins, friends, church groups, and really anything. The town has responded really well to the type of service we provide in a community like this.”
In addition to the prescriptions and health and beauty aids expected of a full-service pharmacy, Pharamasave also stocks a large supplement section, weight loss proteins, and products from M&M Meats. And they deliver for free throughout the area, from St. Pierre to Grunthal to St. Anne.
“We also do walk-in vaccinations,” says Penner. “A lot of places make you arrange an appointment, but we’re strictly walk-in. We’ll do your travel vaccines, COVID shots, and flu vaccinations, which are coming out again around Thanksgiving.”
If it sounds like a busy place, it’s because it is – which is why Pharmasave will be holding a One Year Anniversary Celebration, September 14-16.
In addition to storewide savings, Penner highlights some big-ticket prizes on offer, including an $800 patio set, $800 barbecue and a staycation at Inn at The Forks worth $700. The store itself will mark Pharmasave brand products down 30% and M&M products down 20%. Everyone who comes by the store between 10 am and 2 pm on all three days will also be treated to cake and coffee.
“It’s really to say thank-you to the community for their support,” says Penner. “I’ve been gratified seeing the comments come in almost daily about how we’ve been able to help customers. We just want to continue delivering that superior type of care.”
Pharmasave Steinbach is located in the Victoria Plaza mall, at the corner of Main and Brandt. They’re open 9 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Saturdays, and noon to 5 pm Sundays, and can be reached by calling (204) 326-2334.
