Robertson’s Drug Store, an institution in St. George’s after 80 years in business, has a new look.

The drug store’s owners — the grandchildren of its founder — decided to undertake a full renovation two years ago.

The results have been worth it, maintaining the store’s unique ambience while bringing it up to date and making it more spacious and airy.

It’s all a far cry from the drug store that Frederick Joseph Robertson founded in the 1920s in St. George’s. He was joined in the business by his daughter, Rita, in 1931 and later by her husband, Eric Rothwell, in the 1940s.

The current owners are the third generation of five grandchildren — the Rothwells.

The last time the drug store had a major renovation came after after the main shop caught fire in 1977 and a new award-winning shop was built on the same site and opened in 1978.

Two years ago the family decided to to refurbish the entire inside of the shop — while remaining open for business — in three stages starting with the dispensary. This was followed by the downstairs stationery and toy department last year and just completed the main York Street level.

For the past few months, the main section of the store on Duke of York Street was closed except for the always busy pharmacy. The remainder of the upper level moved to the Frangipani location on Water Street.

The privacy of the pharmacy consultancy area has been increased. Seating has been provided in the windows for customers waiting for prescriptions or perusing their interesting selection of books.

Store manager and head pharmacist, Valerie Lewis, is excited about all the positive changes. She said: “We have better facilities for patient counselling in the pharmacy area. Shortly we will offer magnetic bracelets for arthritis.

“We will have a stand where you cut your own soap next month and our excellent Revlon cosmetics will be arriving shortly.”

The family said: “The store’s success was and is due to its loyal customers and dedicated staff.

“Our staff provides a friendly and caring service.

The family said: “The most rewarding aspect through this has been the staff and community watching our progress. “People have been patient, loyal and looking forward to the end result.

“The biggest challenge has been keeping business open while the refurbishing was ongoing.”

What has not changed is the wide variety of merchandise, of which about 50 percent is imported directly.”

This includes a large book department with numerous children’s books and adult books, which cover topics as varied as “Bonsai”, “Castles of England”, “Scotland and Wales”, “Yoga” and “Understanding Dreams”.

The bottom level of the store, where the cards and stationery live, carries an array of products from beach shoes to toys and household items, including a great selection of photo frames.

From there you can sit out on the patio and enjoy reading The Royal Gazette <$>or write a post card. There are tables with umbrellas that make a pleasant and tranquil sitting-off spot enjoyed by many.

It is not unusual to see people nibbling on ice cream or sipping cold water in warmer weather on the patio. The refurbishment was undertaken to provide a brighter, more cheerful and spacious shopping environment.

Long-term employee Gloria Fox has worked at Robertson’s for 35 years and remarked: “I enjoy taking responsibility for the chocolates, cookies and candies. They display well and we have many children who come in after school. I take care of the magazines too and help out where needed.”

Celebrations for the reopening will be held tomorrow with the Saltus Jazz Band playing from 1.30 p.m. and refreshments will be provided. The Rothwells invite their valued customers to come out and enjoy the celebrations.

Special offers will be available through the day. For those who spend over $30 a canvas shopping bag will be given as long as supplies last.

Robertson’s Drug Store is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.