By KAREN JONES CODY
For those who remember the days when downtown Hindman was thriving with retail businesses, Tuesday, January 6, was a very sad day. Napier Family Drug, the last of those family businesses, closed their doors for the last time.
Napier’s has been a favorite spot for Knott Countians for many years. For people who worked in Hindman, it was a gathering place. Everybody loved lunch at the grill. Pharmacy customers from Knott and surrounding counties chose Napier’s because they could always count on accurate and efficient service — and it consistently came with a helpful and friendly attitude. It was a good place to stop and pick up a greeting card, candy, gifts like cologne or pocket knives. The staff was always smiling and welcoming. When you came through the front door, somebody was always sitting at a table ready to share a kind word or a laugh. Burnice was in the back, joking with customers while he and his crew filled prescriptions. Everyone who came there regularly felt like family.
Burnice Neil Napier, pharmacist and owner, has been behind the prescription counter there since August 17, 1981. It was Francis Family Drug back then, and Burnice came from June Buchanan Clinic to work for Clarence Francis. He purchased the business on May 1, 1990, and bought the building from Francis’ son in October 2012. Even as, one by one, other downtown businesses moved or closed, Napier Family Drug was successful.
The decision to close the store came as a shock to everyone, but Burnice explains, “The writing was on the wall.” Problems beyond local control made it increasingly difficult for the small, family-owned enterprise. “We faced lack of proper insurance reimbursement, low fees — some insurance companies forced customers to use mail order pharmacies, and there were lock-outs from insurance. Prices of generic drugs raised. When doctors in Hazard began to sell their practices to larger organizations, I knew it was coming.”
Burnice Napier sold his business to Rite Aid. The good news is, he will be working full time at Rite Aid in Holly Hills. He made sure the offer included a place for his staff as well. Pat Gayheart and Barb Smith chose not to go, but pharmacy techs Karen Johnson and Patty Gayheart will be at Rite Aid, too. Even Napier’s phone number will remain active, and will ring in at Rite Aid.
“Our customers who want to stay with us are going to be treated like they always were,” Napier told the Times. “If you need something, all you have to do is call and ask for me or one of the girls.”
On an ordinary day, a trip to Napier’s would usually include teasing and light-hearted banter from Burnice Neil. Tuesday was not an ordinary day — it was an emotional day. The man who is so seldom serious had a different look in his eyes as he talked to friends who came to the store for the last time.
“I’ve had the best employees, patients, and friends here that a man could ever have,” Burnice said. “They were always the most important thing about being here.”
Thursday will be Burnice Neil Napier’s first day at Rite Aid. Karen and Patty started their new jobs on Wednesday.
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