Hartig Drug
Encyclopedia
Hartig Drug Stores is a chain of pharmacy
/retail stores based out of Dubuque, Iowa
. The company provides pharmacy
services not only to the general public, but to area institutions as well. Along with this pharmacy focus, Hartig Drug stores offer convenience retail items. The company has operated for over 100 years; currently, it is the second-oldest family-run pharmacy chain in the United States.
. Originally created in the likeness of the many drug stores prevalent in the Midwest at the time, it has since grown into regional chain of mixed retail stores and pharmacies.
The drug chain has a long history of progressive retail practices. In 1941, Hartig Drug opened the first Self-service
drug store in Iowa, drawing more than 10,000 customers in its first two days of operation. It was also one of the first stores to hire women as pharmacists and store managers.
as a supplier of generic-brand items. At the same time, some Hartig Drug stores were renamed "Hartig USA Drug" in recognition of the cooperative association. Although this association continues, Hartig Drug is not a franchise of USA Drug.
Hartig Drug stores are generally characterized by a mix between retail store and pharmacy, similar to national chain Walgreens
. Stores offer items including birthday cards, snack foods, and non-prescription medications (along with prescription drugs at the pharmacy counter).
Pharmacy
Pharmacy is the health profession that links the health sciences with the chemical sciences and it is charged with ensuring the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs...
/retail stores based out of Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque is a city in and the county seat of Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, located along the Mississippi River. In 2010 its population was 57,637, making it the ninth-largest city in the state and the county's population was 93,653....
. The company provides pharmacy
Pharmacy
Pharmacy is the health profession that links the health sciences with the chemical sciences and it is charged with ensuring the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs...
services not only to the general public, but to area institutions as well. Along with this pharmacy focus, Hartig Drug stores offer convenience retail items. The company has operated for over 100 years; currently, it is the second-oldest family-run pharmacy chain in the United States.
History
Hartig Drug was founded in 1904 by A.J Hartig, upon graduation from pharmacy school at Northwestern UniversityNorthwestern University
Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois, USA. Northwestern has eleven undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools offering 124 undergraduate degrees and 145 graduate and professional degrees....
. Originally created in the likeness of the many drug stores prevalent in the Midwest at the time, it has since grown into regional chain of mixed retail stores and pharmacies.
The drug chain has a long history of progressive retail practices. In 1941, Hartig Drug opened the first Self-service
Self-service
Self service is the practice of serving oneself, usually when purchasing items. Common examples include many gas stations, where the customer pumps their own gas rather than have an attendant do it...
drug store in Iowa, drawing more than 10,000 customers in its first two days of operation. It was also one of the first stores to hire women as pharmacists and store managers.
USA Drug Affiliation
In 1999, Hartig Drug entered into a partnership with national retailer USA DrugUSA Drug
USA Drug is a convenience store and pharmacy chain in the United States that operates more than 160 stores in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. It was founded in Pine Bluff, Arkansas in 1986. Its headquarters are still located in Pine Bluff with additional offices in Little...
as a supplier of generic-brand items. At the same time, some Hartig Drug stores were renamed "Hartig USA Drug" in recognition of the cooperative association. Although this association continues, Hartig Drug is not a franchise of USA Drug.
Current Ownership
Hartig Drug has been owned by the same family since its creation in 1904. The current owner and chief executive officer is Richard J. Hartig. In 2001, Hartig hired Keith Bibelhausen as the first non-family president of the drug chain. In 2007, the store reported an employment of around 300 persons.Location
Hartig Drug stores can be found in 16 different locations throughout eastern Iowa, northwest Illinois, and southwest Wisconsin.Hartig Drug stores are generally characterized by a mix between retail store and pharmacy, similar to national chain Walgreens
Walgreens
Walgreen Co. , doing business as Walgreens , is the largest drugstore chain in the United States of America. As of August 31st, the company operates 8,210 locations across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1901, and has since expanded...
. Stores offer items including birthday cards, snack foods, and non-prescription medications (along with prescription drugs at the pharmacy counter).