a welcome place to visit, the staff play their part also. According to the store's manager/pharmacist, Barry Jones, a family-like atmosphere prevails throughout the work day which carries over to their customers. "I've always thought of the staff as a very friendly one, almost like a family unit. We work well together and that makes it easier for me as a manager. It's a pleasure to work with them all.'' Pleasing the customer comes first and foremost, according to the Apothecary's staff members, all of whom take pride in their work. "I love my job and I spend a lot of time here. I'm very involved in every aspect of the Apothecary and very dedicated to my job,'' said store supervisor Deon Breary. "I've been here for two and a half years and I do everything -- the scheduling, organise the staff; basically I do everything I can to make sure the store is running properly. I think the renovations will be great for the store. It's been a lot of hard work for all of us and I can't wait for them to finish. It will be great for us and our customers.'' Each day spent at the Collector's Hill Apothecary presents a challenge for Maria Tavares. Responsible for choosing and organising the pharmacy's extensive greeting card selection, she says she loves it all. "I began working for BDC Ltd. about nineteen years ago,'' she said. "Over that time, I've been a supervisor with many of their different companies starting with the Phoenix store when it was located at the corner of Reid and Queen Streets. I then went to the Woodbourne Pharmacy as a supervisor and then I came here three years ago. "I am responsible for the Hallmark section and, Working days are a joy for the store. I also have to make sure all the cards are out on the shelves in their proper slots. I like my job. It's a challenge. There are always things to do and learn and I really like working with the customers.'' Cashier Peggy Outerbridge describes her days at the South Shore Apothecary as "rewarding''. "I worked in another business for many years before it closed.

Two years ago, I was offered a job here as a cashier and I've been here ever since. I enjoy it. It's a welcome change from what I have previously done over the years. One thing I really like, is that we have our regular customers and we can really get to know them. One thing I like to see is when people come in pregnant and then have the babies and I'm able to watch them grow up over the years. It's nice. It's like having a family outside your own. It's very rewarding.'' Establishing good customer relations is an important part of her job, says cashier/salesperson, Sylvia Zuill. "I've been with the company for seventeen years this coming September,'' she said. I started here in 1981 and then went to Marriott's Castle Harbour where BDC Ltd. also had a drug store. I worked there for ten years and came back here on December 13, 1996 as a cashier, but helping out on the floor as well. I love my job and especially love doing little things like helping the customers when they can't find things.'' Part-time employee, Winifred Albuoy, says that she loves working at the store so much that she comes back from time to time even though she has officially retired. "I am retired so I'm just part-time now, but I'd been here for 15 years as a cashier prior to my retirement. I began in 1981 and it's the only place in the Phoenix company that I've worked for. I like working down in Smith's and it's nice working here especially because some of the customers are so nice. I enjoy it and I come back when anyone goes on holiday. They call me `the old reliable'.'' PHOTO Supervisor at the Collector's Hill Apothecary, Deon Breary Sales associate at the Collector's Hill Apothecary, Maria Tavares