On the seemingly never-ending stretch of Queens Boulevard, amidst many other businesses there stands Healthy Corner Pharmacy. The pharmacy, like many other small businesses struggles to maintain and identity different from the mega retailer at every other corner. In this case, there is a CVS across the street, and a Duane Reade down the block. And still it prospers because it is different.
Customers depend on the individual attention that they receive from the pharmacists, who most know by name. Others, who just venture into the store notice that it is a smaller establishment in comparison to a CVS. However, upon inquiry, you will quickly find out that they can order almost anything you need, as long as you can pick it up the next day. In addition, they have a wide array of organic vitamins and supplements. They offer an array of bath and body products, including mineral lotions from Israel,a and makeup from Russia.
I would interview the owners and ask them what obstacles they face as small business owners in a chain store dominated field. If possible, I would uncover that what makes them special is the great customer service they provide in an industry that is now closely mimicking an automated customer service representative.