Rider Pharmacy opens B&B Boutique

By Jessica Legge
Times West Virginian

FAIRMONT November 04, 2007 01:52 am

— Rider Pharmacy has expanded its offerings with the creation of a boutique inside the store.
Rider Pharmacy remodeled a section of the store and added new items to establish a boutique atmosphere. Nicknamed the “B&B Boutique,” this new area within the store features perfumes, rings, jewelry, scarves, handbags, clothing and more.
“It’s another way we’re trying to offer diverse inventory in our gift shop,” Jonathan Rider, owner of Rider Pharmacy, said. “We’re trying to carry a broad spectrum of items in a small space.”
The store is always searching for unique items, and it’s still looking to add other product lines to the boutique space. Most of these higher-end products, which are fun and playful as well as elegant, are centered in this new section. Rider Pharmacy also carries items throughout the shop that complement the boutique.
“We travel the globe trying to find new things to carry in our store,” Jonathan said.
Becky Riffee, director of Rider Pharmacy’s gift department, and Jonathan’s mother, Barbara Rider, wanted to do something a little different in the store’s gift shop. They came up with the idea for the boutique and put a lot of work into the project.
“The idea itself is fresh for us at Rider Pharmacy,” Jonathan said. “It adds a different feel to Rider Pharmacy. I couldn’t be happier with the way it’s turned out so far.”
Rider Pharmacy is also holding its 36th annual Christmas Open House from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Book N Bean is catering for the community event, and the store will have specials, discounts and door prizes throughout the day.
“It’s something that we’ve done for so long that I can’t think of us not doing it,” Jonathan said. “It really kicks off the holiday season. It’s nice to see that the community supports all the businesses, not just Rider Pharmacy. It’s a really exciting time.”
The open house is a continuation of Rider Pharmacy’s 40th anniversary celebration. On Jan. 2, 1967, Daniel and Barbara Rider took over Bennett’s Pharmacy, which Alice Bennett owned for 29 years, and renamed it Rider Pharmacy.
Rider Pharmacy was located beside Community Hardware for five years, but the Riders then moved across the street to 303 Merchant St., where the store has remained since. Barbara developed the pharmacy’s gift business, which started with one table of gift items and has continued to grow over the years.
Jonathan bought the store from his parents in 2001, and Dan and Barbara remain active in the business today.
E-mail Jessica Legge at jlegge@timeswv.com.