Closing Sterling Pharmacy in Albert Lea was not a decision that was taken lightly. We have been in the community for 56 years and have taken care of many families for several generations. We have always been proud to be a part of the fabric of Albert Lea. Unfortunately, the financial pressures on our small pharmacy over the past year have been more than our family-owned business could withstand.

There were many factors that led to our final decision to close the Albert Lea store. Our health care system is changing. Retail pharmacy is changing. Rural populations are changing. Customer needs and wants are changing. In a time where our store needed more traffic, we were seeing less. We are not alone — this is a very trying time for all health care entities. Costs are high, reimbursement is low, providers are hard to come by — the list goes on.

Everyone wants to blame one group or another when a local business closes, but where has that gotten us? Our store in Albert Lea is closing because we could no longer withstand financial pressures. Instead of looking for someone to blame, the clear message should be please support all your local businesses! They need you more than ever right now.

Many thanks,

Sam Ewing

president

Sterling Pharmacy