The news that Smith Drug Company will be closing has placed many independent pharmacy owners in a difficult position.
Smith Drug has served independent pharmacies for generations. Many pharmacy owners have longstanding relationships with the company and the people who work there.
Now, those pharmacies must evaluate their wholesaler options and make important decisions on a compressed timeline.
Changing wholesalers is never simple. The decision can affect product availability, purchasing costs, rebates, cash flow and the day-to-day operation of the pharmacy. Owners need reliable information, realistic numbers and a plan that minimizes disruption for their businesses and patients.
More than a wholesaler relationship
For many Smith Drug customers, this is about more than finding another company that can deliver products.
Regional wholesalers built their businesses around relationships. Pharmacy owners knew the people they were working with, could reach someone when they needed help and felt as though their business mattered. That personal connection is difficult to replace.
APCI understands the value of that kind of relationship. APCI once owned and operated a regional drug wholesaler, and members of the management team who helped build that operation and its service culture remain with APCI today.
That experience continues to shape how APCI works with independent pharmacies. We understand that technology, purchasing power and operational expertise matter, but they should never come at the expense of personal service.
When an APCI member needs help, there are real people here who understand independent pharmacy and are ready to have a conversation. We combine the capabilities needed to compete in today’s pharmacy market with the accessibility and personal attention independent pharmacy owners value.
Help evaluating your wholesaler options
APCI is a member-owned pharmacy buying group built by and for independent pharmacies. That cooperative structure allows us to bring significant purchasing experience and resources to our members without losing sight of the relationships that make independent pharmacy different.
We recently completed a new supply agreement with McKesson, and the early response from APCI members has been very favorable.
The agreement combines competitive pricing on generics with a strong rebate program, giving members an opportunity to strengthen their purchasing position while working with a cooperative focused exclusively on independent pharmacy.
Every pharmacy’s situation is different. APCI is prepared to help Smith Drug customers review their purchasing needs, evaluate the numbers and determine whether APCI and McKesson would be a good fit.
There is no obligation and no high-pressure sales pitch. We are offering a straightforward conversation about your pharmacy, your options and what a transition could look like.
Talk with APCI about your options
Pharmacy owners affected by the Smith Drug Company closing can contact Mark Million, APCI Senior Vice President of Sales.
We know time matters, and our team is prepared to move quickly.