NEW USA DRUG SEEN AS MUCH NEEDED FACELIFT FOR EAST PINE BLUFF

By Ezra Mann/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

Though Pine Bluff will be bidding farewell to the oldest USA Drug pharmacy at the Broadmoor Shopping Center, a new location near the intersection of Ohio Street and Harding Street will offer a facelift to a part of the community that needs it, Stephen L. LaFrance, owner of USA Drug, said.

LaFrance could not remember when the Broadmoor location opened, but remembers the store moving to Broadmoor location not too far from where the pharmacy was first located. The new location will be on the northeast corner of the intersection now occupied by a closed Splash Car Wash. The Pine Bluff businessman said the new store will be a positive aspect for the community.

“This new drug store is going to

perk up that whole side of town with features like a double-lane drive-through and a convenient and accessible location

for customers,” added LaFrance.

The official address has not been confirmed, though it should be located near 1401 E. Harding and construction on the 4,000-square foot facility is estimated to begin early in July with a completion date 4-5 months later, said Gain Robinson, vice president of real estate and acquisitions for USA Drug, said. Employees from the Broadmoor location will be moved over to the new location and the store will feature many of the same merchandise featured at the other USA Drug locations, Robinson added, including the full-service pharmacy.

On the Net:

USA Drug Web site

www.usadrug.com