Ekeren Drug to close its doors Jan. 8 by David Hill Editor Bob Ekeren is not one to look back and lament the passing of time and the ways and things that used to be. He'd rather look ahead. Bob sees a bright future because he has his health, a new job, and an opportunity to spend more time with his stepchildren and grandchildren. This bright new future, however, will create a void, or at least a very different picture of Thief River Falls and northwestern Minnesota than we're used to seeing. Last week, Bob Ekeren announced that Ekeren Drug will close its doors for good on Jan. 8. Ekeren Drug has been a fixed landmark in Thief River Falls for one month shy of 70 years, and during that time has created a very large and faithful clientele. One longtime customer has already expressed her displeasure to Bob. Why then, has Bob Ekeren decided to close Ekeren Drug? For some time, Bob explained, he has known that when he hit 62, he'd have to start looking at his options. He'd been told by experts that it could take up to two and one-half years to sell the business. He'd have to sell, because there was no one in his family who could take over, and finding someone to take over would be almost impossible because pharmacists are in short supply. In addition, he said, he is blessed with good health now, and while he has his good health, he would like to spend some time with family and enjoy more free time. Though...it's hard to think of the community without an Ekeren Drug. After nearly 70 years of service to the community, many customers are able to recall stories from earlier days. The soda fountain at Ekerens may be chief among those stories. When Bob began working in the family business it was as a Soda Jerk and stock boy. Bob recalled that the soda fountain was one of the best business builders they ever had at the store. At one time, one egg would buy a fountain Coke. During those specials, Bob said, the floor was slimy with broken eggs. Times change, but as Bob looks at it, that's all, just change, which is neither good nor bad. In 1964 Bob was planning to go to the University of North Dakota and obtain a Masters degree in Business Administration, but at the last minute decided that it would be in the best interest of the family to take over the family business. As the eldest son, he also felt it was his duty and responsibility to do so. He has no regrets that he spent so many hours at the store, and no regrets that he provided exclusive on-call service to the community and northwestern Minnesota. His dad told him once that, "Above all, take care of your own." Bob took that to mean to take care of the customer. Customers appreciated this by awarding us with their enormous confidence, he said, so their trust and confidence was an important consideration when he finally decided to sell the business. Selling the Business Bob said he had many offers, but above all, he wanted his business to go to someone who would value the customer and provide the kind of service he would want. He decided to sell his business to Thrifty White. Bob met recently with his seven employees to announce the sale of the business. He also announced that they were all eligible to be employed at Thrifty White. Bob said he's not sure who will accept the offer, but that those who do may be trained for new roles. Terms of the agreement included the purchase of all salable merchandise. At a future date, some of the fixtures and equipment may be sold, too. Not Retiring Bob isn't retiring. He has been hired by Thrifty White to be the Pharmacist in Charge at its 7,000-square-foot store in Bemidji. Bob noted that his stepdaughter and her family live in Bemidji, and as interesting aside, it's also where he started his career as a pharmacist. A long time ago, people would come to Ekeren Drug to buy merchandise, like mineral oil for their cattle, in bulk. Bob said when they had their one cent sales the sales floor and the basement were filled to the rafters with merchandise. Now, while there's merchandise on the sales floor, it's much different, and the basement is completely filled with records. When Bob took over the business he was able to do all of the books. That's no longer possible. There are so many insurance issues to deal with, and so many required record-keeping duties that it would be impossible for one person. Larger stores, he said, are able to deal with those issues much more efficiently. He's looking forward to his new job with Thrifty White, the chance to spend time with his family, and an opportunity to keep up with some of his other interests, such as his piano lessons, and computer work. He'd like to do some handiwork, too. He's got all the tools, but he's never had the time. Bob Ekeren of Ekeren Drug announced last week that Ekeren Drug is closing. Ekeren sold the 70-year-old business to Thrifty White, and he accepted a position as pharmacist in charge at the Thrifty White store in Bemidji.

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