A new pharmacy with an old name is causing some confusion in Rimbey, but William Poggemiller, pharmacist and managing partner of Rimbey Guardian Drug Mart wants residents to know that nothing has changed in his store.
“Our store has been here for over 100 years. We have operated under the name Rimbey Value Drug Mart for many years, but in September 2021 we switched from ‘Value’ to ‘Guardian’ so that we could offer our customers a wider selection of products at better prices,” said Poggemiller.
The familiar red sign turned to green and customers soon began to enjoy the better selection, better prices and a fantastic rewards program for over-the-counter items, while receiving the same great service from long-time staff. But earlier this spring, a new sign from the Rimbey Value Drug Mart appeared on the street, with residents wondering whether the old store would move or whether former owner Patrick Rurka would return.
Rimbey Value Drug Mart changed its name and sign in 2021 to become Rimbey Guardian Drug Mart, with the same long-standing, caring staff. Now a new pharmacy has adopted the name ‘Value’ but is not affiliated with Rimbey Guardian Drug Mart or its owners.
“People started asking if it was my shop before I even saw the sign in town. But if I still wanted to be a pharmacist, I wouldn’t have sold the pharmacy in 2017,” said Rurka, who owned Rimbey Value Drug Mart for 13 years and now offers individual coaching on health, mindset, weight loss and smoking cessation. .
Rurka even posted on Facebook to try and clarify the situation, saying, “It’s none of my business and it’s none of my business.”
What you need to know
- Rimbey Guardian Drug Martha has the same dedicated staff and service you’ve known for over 100 years. It’s in the same location as always, 4917-50 Ave.
- The new Rimbey Value Drug Mart is in no way associated with Guardian Drug Mart. The new store has a different ownership group, which has never operated a store in Rimbey before.
- Patient prescriptions and other services at Rimbey Guardian Drug Mart will remain in the current store. No patient information will be shared with the new Value Drug Mart location unless specifically requested by a patient.
- William Poggemiller and Patrick Rurka are not affiliated with the new Rimbey Value Drug Mart location, do not know the new owners and do not know when the store will open.
The White Drug Store first opened in Rimbey in 1919. The store has changed names a few times since then, but has been operating in Central Alberta for over 100 years! Find the current owners under the name Rimbey Guardian Drug Mart.
“I still love the staff at Rimbey Guardian Drug Mart – the majority have been working there for decades – and the store has a great legacy,” says Rurka. “I remember on my first day as a store manager, the staff asked me what I wanted them to do. I said whatever you did yesterday, do it again today! They are a very intelligent, organized group and that allowed me to be the golden retriever running back and forth to make people happy.”
“We have an amazing group of customers who have been with us for decades and I look forward to serving them for many years to come,” said Poggemiller.
Visit Rimbey Guardian Drug Mart at 4917-50 Ave., open Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturdays 9am to 5pm.
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