Page 16 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2025

COAST NOTE
story by Lynn Lofton
French Drug Company
75 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY
photos by Suzette Carlson and courtesy of French Drug Company
16 | January 2025
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
Celebrating 75 years of business, French Drug Company of Gulfport has been serving the community since 1950 and has had only three owners. The original store was opened by Ed French and Ed Bourdin, boyhood friends, on 2nd Street. The Frenches sold the business to David Lawrence in 1992 who sold it to John and Jessica Pittman in 2014.
In an age when chain stores and online ordering are abundant, Pittman feels locally-owned pharmacies are still relevant. A few years ago a large chain drug store located directly across the street. “It had very little effect on our business,” Pittman says. “If anything, I think we picked up some new customers, especially after the chain store changed locations.”
He believes locally owned pharmacies have a special place in the community because of the personal relationships they build with their customers. “Because I grew up in the same neighborhood where my pharmacy is located, I feel especially invested in the area,” he said. “I have known many of my customers most of my life and truly want the best for them. I care about them and I know they care about me and my store as well.”
Previous owner David Lawrence says, “Seeing and knowing people was the best part. We saw a lot of goodness
after Hurricane Katrina. People were so generous when they had so little. They helped us and sometimes brought lunch to us.”
Pittman explains that the biggest challenge is dealing with insurance companies and the PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) that control them. “Think about the times a doctor has prescribed a medication for you and it's not covered by insurance. We have to deal with those types of issues every day.” he said.
He feels the store's longevity is due to the relationships owners and employees have built with customers and the community. “We make an effort to get to know each one of our customers and make them feel welcome. I want them to feel able to personally call me anytime with medication questions or concerns,” he says. “I hope and feel that we make a positive impact in our community.”
Dr. John Pittman.