Arnold Drug Company has been a staple in the Habersham County community for decades. On Wednesday, July 12, the pharmacy announced on social media that it has gone out of business.
“Today, we announce with a heavy heart that Arnold Drug Company has permanently closed its doors. We are beyond grateful for all of our loyal patients throughout our many years of service. We wish all of you the absolute best,” the post states.
It’s unclear what prompted the closing. The pharmacy did not say in its announcement. Now Habersham has reached out to Arnold Drug representatives for more information, but they were not immediately available.
Left ‘in the dust’
The closing caught some customers off guard. One, who asked not to be named, says he called the pharmacy Wednesday to get a prescription filled, and the telephone prompt referred him to a local chain pharmacy.
The situation, he says, has “left all of us that rely on them for our medical equipment in the dust. No emails, phone calls, or letters.”
This patient and many others relied on Arnold Drug for medical equipment. The now-defunct business offered hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, patient lifts, and other types of durable medical equipment not sold in other local pharmacies.
“Every pharmacy I’ve called has a bunch of us Arnold’s faithful calling and having mini meltdowns because it was so sudden, and now we can’t get what we need,” the frustrated customer says. “I could have made plans if they would [have] let me know last month.”
There was mixed reaction to the news on social media.
“So sad,” said Joann Lowe. She, too, said she wished she’d been notified so she could have chosen “a different place ahead of time.”
Others recalled fond memories of the previous owners.
Robert White said the Smiths and Arnold Drug Company “were a very big part of my life growing up.” He recalled his chats with World War II veterans as they waited for their prescriptions to be filled.
“I have memories of that place that I will always cherish,” said White.
Margaret Fowler expressed gratitude for what Arnold Drug meant to the community.
“Thank you for the service all these years. You were in a class of your own,” she said.
