Bartell Drugs, a family-owned regional chain since 1890, has still got it. The chain has brought together health and personal care by sponsoring health and beauty events, the first of which happened in October 2010 and featured health screenings, cosmetic demonstrations and hairstyling tips. Another event is scheduled for the fall.


Vaccinations have featured prominently in the chain’s business as well, with in-store flu vaccinations and corporate flu clinics for area businesses, as well as international travel clinics at 10 stores. In December 2010, the company donated 4,000 flu vaccine doses to support pharmacy outreach programs at the University of Washington and Washington State University, in Pullman, Wash., providing vaccinations to nonprofit groups and Native American tribal communities.