Pharmacy Choice member achieves 40 years in business

McDonald’s Pharmacy St Ives celebrates three generations of service

Forty years ago Bob Hawke became Prime Minister, Australia II ended a 135-year US domination of the America’s Cup, and a small pharmacy in Sydney’s Upper North Shore would begin a proud family tradition of serving the local community.

In March, McDonald’s Pharmacy St Ives – which has been open every day since 1983 – marked its milestone 40th anniversary with a celebration in-store.

Owner Jacinta McDonald has spent her life around pharmacies – her father David owned pharmacies in Queensland and New South Wales – and she was 13 years old when David took over the St Ives store on March 2, 1983.

Jacinta bought the business from her father in 2016 and has made sure the business remains a family affair, with her daughters Sophia and Charlotte the third-generation helping to keep the McDonald tradition alive.

“One of the big things is we’ve been open every single day of the year since 1983. We’ve had floods, we’ve had electrical power outages and what have you – but there’s still one of us in there helping our valued customers.”

McDonald’s Pharmacy is a Pharmacy Choice Gold Store and has been part of the program since 2014.

Jacinta said being a member of Pharmacy Choice has enabled the business to be more competitive in the market.

“As a small pharmacy we don’t get the opportunity to get the discounts like the large warehouses,” she said.

“With Pharmacy Choice it enables me to get discounts on core range lines and I can then pass on those savings to our patients through our catalogue each month.”

Cameron Macklin – General Manager Pharmacy Choice and Merchandise congratulated McDonald’s Pharmacy on their incredible achievement.

“Their longevity in business is testament to the team’s understanding of their customers and their commitment to providing valued and trusted service 365-days a year,” he said. “We have been proud and privileged to be part of their journey for nearly a decade.”

Jacinta credited her staff for making McDonald’s Pharmacy what it is today.

“We greet our clients by their name, we know the names of their children, and their grandchildren which all adds that personal touch,” she said.