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Above: Sterling Drug’s new remodel includes an expanded fashion boutique.
FAIRMONT – Sterling Drug, one of Fairmont’s best places to get home decorations and gifts, is back on track today after being closed for two months so a store redevelopment can take place. Trudie Wood, the store manager, called the remodel “refresh.”
The store has been closed since August 1st. Wood explained that a water line rupture on Nov. 23 flooded the entire store and prompted the redevelopment.
“It was Thanksgiving week. We were closed for three days and were able to reopen for Black Friday ”, said Bois.
She said Sterling Drug chairman Sam Ewing was involved in conversations after the flooding.
“We were walking around the store and talking and he asked me what the next step was, and I said, ‘out of chaos comes opportunity’,” said Bois.
They started thinking about renovating the same day, but the planning became more intentional after the holiday season ended in January.
Wood said his prime contractor was Joseph Construction, based in Austin, Minnesota.
Sterling Drug’s pharmacy was the first part of the store to undergo significant changes.
“One of the first visions we had was to create a drive-thru pharmacy, which sparked a whole new setup. said Bois.
The Drive-Thru Pharmacy is now located on the east side of the building. The pharmacy was open during the renovation process, but was only closed for a weekend in August when everything was moved around the store.
Sterling Drug offers a full service pharmacy and delivery. Wood said people can get the flu shot, the Covid vaccine and a booster there. Drive-thru was the missing piece to complete Sterling’s pharmacy.
The rest of the store layout and presentation is different. The toys and babies section has grown and is now where the pharmacy used to be. Where the toy section used to be, there is now a clothing store, which has also expanded.
“We added a kind of boutique feel to the whole store,” said Bois.
Regarding the new products, Wood said they did not introduce new lines, but new products in the lines they offer. Wood is particularly excited about the seasonal articles that Sterling will be publishing soon.
“Our vision will truly come to life at Christmas” she said.
Another big change is that the carpet has been removed and the flooring is now finished in concrete.
Sam Ewing, president of Sterling Drug, said it has been a family business since 1952. Ewing said they own 15 retail stores, mostly in Minnesota, headquartered in Austin. He spoke about what the renovation means for Fairmont.
“It’s a big commitment on our part. We want to be at Fairmont. It’s a big store for us. We’ve been there for years. As part of the renovation, we have extended our lease ”, Ewing said.
He says he thinks the remodel will be good for the community, and Wood agrees. She said she was grateful to be a part of the community and looked forward to opening up again and interacting with the community again.
“I learned that Sterling is sort of a destination for Fairmont. People bring their visitors and their families there. We’re a place the whole city can celebrate and find something they want or need ”, said Bois.
The grand opening sale begins today and ends on October 3. Customers will receive 40% off four gift and toy items throughout the weekend.
“Each day, the first 50 customers will receive a free gift bag with a coupon revealing your additional offer which can be used in addition to the sale.” said Bois.
Two food trucks, Bummy’s BBQ and O’Scoops Ice Cream will be in the parking lot today from 11am. KSUM / KFMC will be streaming live from the store for a while and a ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 1 p.m.
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