After 64 years, Frick’s Drugs is changing its name.

Beginning today, Wednesday, Sept. 29, the store will operate as Frick’s Healthcare, Medical Equipment and Photo.

Frick’s has transferred all of its prescription records to Walgreens in Sequim. Store co-owners Ella and Cy Frick are quick to note they will continue their retail and rental operations and will, in fact, be expanding many of their health care offerings, including their line of durable medical equipment.

Only the prescription portion of the pharmacy is shutting down.

Ella said the change emphatically is not due to the arrival of the big pharmacies in Sequim but agreed the fact that she and Cy are both now 72 may have played a role in the decision. Neither has any plans for retirement, however.

"It’s a new name and a new idea," Ella Frick said, "but look for the same great service."

Local beginnings

The pharmacy was the only one in Sequim that still was independently owned. Frick’s was opened by Dora and Bud Frick, Cy’s parents, in 1947.

Ella and Cy, co-owners of the store since 1964, sent a letter of appreciation to their customers, saying, "We want to assure you that your pharmacy records are safe and in good hands." Jim Benson, who has served as a Frick pharmacist for more than 30 years, soon will begin work at Walgreens in Sequim. He’ll be joined there by Cy, who is also a pharmacist.

Of the store’s 19 current employees, the store expects to cut just four positions, including those of Cy and Benson.

In their letter, Cy and Ella said those going to Walgreens "can expect the same service, with the professionalism and concern for which Frick’s has always been known, and in the manner to which you are accustomed."

The store’s pharmacy phones and fax numbers will refer customers to Walgreens. Other numbers remain the same. The store’s office number is 683-9536.

Ella also assured customers the Frick’s store they know and love still will be around.

"We are still here but under a new name," Ella Frick said. "Same location – same individual service."

To celebrate the change, Cy, Ella and the staff at Frick’s have invited everyone to

enjoy cake and other refreshments at the store from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7. The store is located in Sequim Village Center, next to JCPenney.

Expanding and improving

Putting health care in the store’s name reflects the company’s ongoing – and growing – commitment to provide for the medical equipment needs of those living on the peninsula. Frick’s is expanding its line of rental and purchasable beds, wheelchairs and scooters.

Trained personnel will continue to provide expert

assistance to those needing help designing and purchasing medical equipment, including breast prosthetics and braces of all kinds.

The company also will have medical equipment items in stock, including walkers and lifts. Home delivery and pick-up of these items will continue.

Photo manager Kim Hughes, who has worked for the Fricks for 14 years, said the store also has a great line of cosmetics, jewelry (including custom jewelry), and "probably the best candy selection in town."

"We’re making a change," Ella Frick said, "but we’re still here for the rest of our community’s needs."

Reach Mark Couhig at mcouhig@sequimgazette.com.