By Jacquelyn Pillsbury
Robbins Pharmacy has been Ewing Township’s hometown pharmacy since 1960. They are Mercer County’s largest family owned independent pharmacy.
Richard Robbins opened Robbins Pharmacy in a 1,500 square foot store located next to Sanford’s Luncheonette. In the early 1970s, they bought out the luncheonette and expanded to 5,000 square feet. In 2005, his son, Marc Robbins, doubled the space to its current 10,000 square feet.
“We expanded because we outgrew the space. It boils down to the community. The community has clearly supported us since the beginning. We have a large offering, but a small town feel. [At Robbins Pharmacy] we know everyone by first name. Four generations come into our store,” said Marc Robbins.
Marc is the second generation of Robbins pharmacists.
“It was a natural progression” he said regarding taking over from his father. Bit by bit he relinquished everything and left his son in charge.
Generations of customers come to Robbins Pharmacy from Pennsylvania, Ewing, Lawrenceville, Hopewell and Pennington for their personal touch and attention. There are often two pharmacists on hand so that they can spend time with each patient and answer all of their questions and concerns, while also taking care of the needs of others.
“We counsel heavily here. We take pride in that,” said Robbins, adding that the pharmacy has a private area set aside for patient counseling.
In addition to Marc Robbins, other pharmacists include his wife, Shari Robbins, Achille Constantini and Stuart Sablosky. They also have three pharmacy technicians and about 20 other employees.
“Our staff tends to stay a long time, which is a good testament to what we do. We are a family here,” said Robbins.
Robbins Pharmacy continues to maintain its traditional practices and beliefs while also moving along with the times.
“I try to be very progressive and not reactive,” Robbins said. They added an automated counting machine to fill prescriptions, and also offer refills via the website, and through their brand-new mobile app.
“We always have ability to have prescriptions filled the next day, even if we do not have it on hand.” This includes Saturdays.
“If I know by 8 p.m., I can have it by 8 a.m. the next day,” Robbins said.
Robbins Pharmacy offers immunizations, and vaccinations, including the flu vaccine.
“We have the standard offerings of a larger pharmacy,” including Durable Medical Equipment, such as canes, walkers, braces, and shower seats, as well as cosmetics and toys, he said.
In addition to being a full-service pharmacy, Robbins Pharmacy is a full-service post office. They have ample parking and are easy to reach. With the exception of mailing packages out of the country, they can do everything a traditional post office can do from selling stamps, to priority mail, express mail, to money orders, to fax services, to mailing packages inside the United States.
Robbins Pharmacy is also a Hallmark Gold Crown Store, with all of the offerings of traditional Gold Crown Stores, including cards, gifts, and Christmas ornaments. To help kick off the holidays, Santa Claus will be on hand on Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Everyone visiting Santa will receive a 5×7 photo.
Robbins is also committed to the environment — its building features 220 solar panels on the roof to help power the building.
Robbins Pharmacy is located at 2108 Pennington Road. Phone: (609) 882-2404. On the web: robbinspharmacy.com. Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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