The Grand Marais Pharmacy is in the process of expanding their building, adding a hair salon in the new space below and adding more space for pharmaceutical products on the main floor. Marcy Olsen (left) and owners Bob and Elaine Sample ask the public to come in and check out the pharmacy and its services.
It seems like only yesterday that Bob and Elaine Sample opened Grand Marais Pharmacy at the base of the old Gunflint Trail entrance on Highway 61. But in reality it has been two years since they opened the doors of the log building that houses the business.
To highlight the anniversary the Samples hosted a weeklong celebration in September offering free gift bags and discounts.
“It’s been two good years of steady growth,” said Bob. “We want to thank all of our customers and offer an invitation to those who haven’t met us to come in and say hi, check out the store and find out what our future plans are.”
Part of those future plans includes a two-story expansion that will begin this fall. “Our plans are to have the work completed by winter,” said Bob.
“We continue to grow,” said Bob, adding, “Our customers are driving this expansion. We feel very blessed.”
The new addition will add 70 percent more space to the current building, which, said Bob, “will allow us to grow the pharmacy and bring in new product lines and offer more selections to our customers.”
Elaine Sample, who is a hair stylist and beautician and pharmacy technician, will open a beauty salon in the lower portion next to Sundew Technical, which will stay in its current location.
“I have 40 years experience in the hair industry,” said Elaine. In addition to haircuts she will offer perms, highlights and hair coloring.
With the addition of a salon will come a doubling of the current cosmetic line and additional new brands and lines which will give our customers more choices in hair and beauty products, said Elaine.
“We will ask people what they want and try to find those items for them,” said Elaine.
Pharmacy employee Marcy Olsen will also sell Jockey clothing at the store. “Make-up and clothing. What more could a girl want?” said Elaine, smiling.
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