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Darren and Danita Olafson’s New Venture

Darren and Danita Olafson are originally from the east side of Saskatchewan and moved to Kindersley in 1995 to own and operate a newly opened pharmacy and to start a family.  They were very involved in the former Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs when they moved here and they are now highly active members with the newly formed co-ed Kinsmen & Kinette Club.  When they are not volunteering in the community, they enjoy visiting with friends and cheering on the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Over the next 23 years they built the pharmacy to be a successful business in the community.  In 2018 the senior shareholder group was looking to retire and voted to sell the store to an Ontario-based corporation. With this acquisition and the direction of the new corporate-based operation, Darren decided he needed to, once again, open up an independent, locally owned pharmacy.

When Darren left the pharmacy in October, many people thought that he had retired, but when asked about this, the Olafson’s said “We’re too young to retire, and we’re not dead yet!”  After many months of planning, renovations and supply delays, WillowGrove Pharmacy finally opened their doors on June 21st.

Rather than a “big-box” retailer approach, WillowGrove’s concept has a more European feel where they offer prescription medications, over the counter medications as well as herbal and holistic products.  Other services provided are medication reviews, injections, compliance (bubble) packaging, in town deliveries, as well as many others.  They also are expanding product offerings bringing in support stockings; a great selection of braces; and ambulatory aids such as crutches, walking casts and knee scooter and wheel chair rentals.  They also offer a wide range of fall prevention products including wheelchairs, walkers and other senior aids to assist with independent living.

There are many challenges that small business owners face in rural Saskatchewan.  Darren and Danita feel the biggest challenge is enticing residents to shop local and that you need to find something that sets you apart from big-box retailers and shopping online. The Olafson’s “feel we offer excellent personal customer service as well as a common sense approach to our patient’s pharmacy management and care, focusing on pharmacy and natural health care related products and services”.  The Olafson’s are excited about opening up their new store and to be able to help people with their health care needs.  They love having the freedom to operate their pharmacy they way their customers and patients would like them to operate.  They realize that there is not a “one-size-fits all” answer with prescription medicine and like to offer other holistic medical options, which customers have appreciated in the past.

WillowGrove Pharmacy is a strong supporter of the Chamber of Commerce’s “Shop Kindersley” gift card program which allows people to use gift cards in various denominations at over 50 businesses in Kindersley.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out WillowGrove Pharmacy yet, you should!  They are located at 705 M – 11th Avenue East in the East Crossing Mall and their hours of operation are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays they are open late until 7:00 p.m. These hours allow the store to have continuity of pharmacy staff during business hours, but Darren also provides after hours service to regular pharmacy customers as needed. 

Darren and Danita look forward to meeting you and serving your health care needs.



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