Clermont County independent drug store shuts down after 70 years in business

NEW RICHMOND, Ohio (WKRC) – A neighborhood staple in New Richmond is closing after more than 70 years in business.

June 19 was the last day of operations for Berry’s Pharmacy.

Owner Susan Upchurch said she’s forced to close up shop after years of declining reimbursements from insurance companies.

She says she actually loses money on seven out of every ten prescriptions she fills.

She didn’t want to go on camera but did want to be clear, while we’re seeing many of these mom and pop independently owned pharmacies closing, they aren’t being forced out of business by the major chains like Walgreens, CVS and Kroger. She said those places are also feeling the pinch of declining insurance reimbursements.

In fact, Kroger is actually buying the existing list of prescriptions from Berry’s. So, if you have medications you still need to pick-up from Berry’s after June 19, you’ll need to contact the Amelia Kroger to make arrangements to get them.