Locally Owned Janzen’s Pharmacy Opens Second Location In Westfort
by Scott A. Sumner
Janzens Pharmacy is happy in thebrand new location at 129 Frederica Street; across from J.B Evans in the heart of Westfort which opened November 1st.
“We are really happy to be in the neighbourhood. Our staff is excited and it has been a long time in the works so we are pleased to be here. It is exciting to be able to open a pharmacy at time when people are cutting wages and not hiring students. We are doing the reverse,” said Kathy Pratola. “We have a great team at Janzen’s with David King as our main pharmacist here in Westfort.”
The Janzen’s pharmacy at Bay Street is over 90 years old. There has been a pharmacy at this location since 1916 and it has changed hands only a few times with Fred Janzen owning it for 30 years and Brenda Adams buying the location 8 years ago in December.“We opened a second location because we go out into the community and do a lot of presentations, speak to a lot of groups and have a lot of specialties. We are out there at trade shows and many people
said we would love to deal with you but you are way on the other side of the city and it is quite a drive. People can still have Fort William and Port Arthur in their mindset so we always had it in the back of our minds to open a second location here,” said Brenda Adams. “I grew up in Westfort on Brock Street and I am familiar with the area. I can see the house where my grandparents grew up from our parking lot. “
“We bought the building which was originally a bank a while ago. This building was perfect for us with great parking on site. The neighbours have been unbelievable in welcoming us to the area. It is a strong community here in Westfort,” said Adams. “Our customer base is from all over the city. We are still having a lot of customers coming over from our Bay street location because they live closer to the Westfort location. We have so many loyal customers from all over the city and now are happy to be able to bring our service here. This store has taken off already with numbers of prescriptions and transfers in phenomenal. Most of our clients here at
Westfort are coming from our competitors as well as some who have come from Bay Street to be closer to home.”
“ Brenda saw the second location before I did but once she put it into place I could see it. After seeing the second and how well it has gone, I can see a third,” said Kathy Pratola. “The building was great for us and did not need many renovations. We just needed touch up
painting, it was so beautiful. Korkola advertising did the branding look on the outside. We just put up a few shelves and it was pretty easy. We have confidence in Thunder Bay and are confident we will be successful here and help the area thrive.”
Janzen’s has between 50 to 60 staff and growing. They have 8 pharmacists on staff currently and 2 more coming when they graduate in the spring. Ten pharmacists soon will be the largest number in Thunder Bay. “We are one of the largest independent pharmacies
in Canada and have a lot of specialties that have allowed us to become larger. Our long term care specialty in Thunder Bay and the region is important and we have two certified diabetes educators on staff which is a huge area.” said Adams.
“There are no doctors located here in Westfort and we have a walk in clinic with Bob Tinsley a nurse practioner. We offer more services for example, Tim Liscomb, a nutrition health specialist in supplements, vitamins and natural remedies. We get into a lot of preventative
programs,” said Brenda Adams. “We have a full time doctor moving his practice into the building here in January so that will be good for the area. We are unique as a pharmacy.”
“We do whatever it takes to make the customer healthy and happy with our staff. We have a lot of customer service reps to talk to people and help them with their needs. Brenda and I will
alternate between the stores on an as needed basis. One of us will be always opening and closing the stores. We do not holiday at the same time. We see things and can then respond very quickly.” smiles Kathy Pratola.
Be sure to visit the new Janzen’s in Westfort and experience their exceptional service!
