Pharmacy and gift shop combine in Mt Laurel
Mt Laurel’s PharmSouth provides the best of both worlds: a neighborhood pharmacy and gift shop all in one. Jeremy and Angie Johnsey, Mt Laurel residents, opened the gift shop out of their home in March of 2012, and then the pharmacy opened and started to house the gifts just down the street in June.
Instead of local designers selling their crafts in farmers markets and at fall festivals, Angie wanted a place where items could sell year-round so they did not have to worry about selling the items themselves.
“I love being able to provide an outlet for their creativity, and it is wonderful to work with the designers. It’s by far my favorite part about having this store,” Angie said.
The Johnseys’ Facebook page, Spoonful of Sugar, has allowed them to connect with people from all over the area. About 80 percent of the items sold in their store came through the connections they made on Facebook and word of mouth throughout Birmingham. They also use their page to promote the newest items for sale, allowing them to always connect with their customers.
Angie is always looking for new gifts to sell and has an easy system set up for anyone who may want to sell items at PharmSouth. Once items have been brought in and approved by Angie, they are immediately on the shelves, and the designers are paid through commission once a month.
“We sell a little bit of everything, from scarves to candles to jewelry. I wanted a store that is perfect for someone to run in, grab a gift for their friend and be on their way in 15 minutes with their gift wrapped,” Angie said.
For gifts this winter, Angie said they have smaller gift items like $9 picture frames, $8 foot scrubs and jewelry starting at $5. If you are looking to spend more money on someone like a mom or mother-in-law, she recommends their items like handmade camera straps with designer fabrics and leather cuff bracelets.
On the other side of the store, the pharmacy is not just a simple neighborhood pharmacy. As a pharmacist, Jeremy wanted to be able to work closer to home and to serve the community.”
“I love being able to meet new people. We have the most interesting people come into our store every single day,” Jeremy said.
PharmSouth sells all-natural vitamins, and compounding is available. There is even a free delivery service and after-hours help for all Mt Laurel residents. Angie, a registered nurse, also offers vaccines and immunizations. For those in need of assistance, PharmSouth provides pill packs, an easy way to consolidate medicine into an easy daily pack.
“We love having our store. If you have to work, it might as well be in your backyard so you can just walk to the store,” Angie said.