Expect first-class service, individual attention at this 120 year-old landmark pharmacy
Published 6:00 pm Tuesday, June 27, 2017
The Gordon’s Drug family includes: Sitting from left: Gloria Bryan, Mary David, George Paret III (owner) and Sydney Brown. Standing from left are Phyllis Dougay, Kellie Gaspard, Anna Solari, Gus Guillory, Brooke Guidry, Katy Fontenot and Madisen Soileau.
Remember the old-fashioned hometown drug store? The focus was on service. Prescriptions were filled fast. Customers were greeted by their names. When you called during business hours, an actual person answered, not a recording. Polished, solid wood shelves held delights for all ages to peruse and purchase. Gifts found in this store weren’t duplicated in another store down the street. Enough employees were staffed to answer questions and help customers. Soda jerks served up scoops of ice cream and soda.
That atmosphere is alive and well at Gordon’s Drug and Fine Gift Store, located at 2716 Lake St. in Lake Charles. This independent pharmacy has been Lake Charles’ hometown drug store for the last 120 years.
The store still has its old-fashioned soda fountain where ice cream, floats and malts continue to be served. However, Gordon’s Drug and Fine Gifts has managed to maintain the best of yesteryear and merge those traditions with today’s demands for speed, convenience, technology and patient education.
Medications at this independent, service-oriented and locally owned pharmacy are priced the same as at big franchises. Prescriptions are filled just as quickly – and sometimes much quicker than – big franchises.
Loyal customers receive thank you notes and special offers.
Owner and pharmacist George Lock Paret III has been pharmacist for the last 40 years. It is a store that has served generation after generation.
“We’ve been blessed with great customers who have become great friends,” Paret said.
Find unique gifts at Gordon’s, like this green frog clock.
Employees are also multi-generational. Gus Guillory has been working for Gordon’s for the last 38 years. His father, Frank, worked there for 50 years. The staff has over 140 years of combined experience.
Gifts are distinctive – not like those found everywhere else. See the huge collection of Vera Bradley bags, backpacks, satchels, totes, wallets, hard-sided rolling luggage, fragrances, lotions, flip flops and beach towels at Gordon Drug and Fine Gifts. New from Vera Bradley: The collegiate line. Look for LSU purple and gold and other great gifts for high school graduates.
Tyler brand mixer melts, auto fresheners, sachets, laundry products and candles line the shelves.
Jim Shore and Willow Tree collectibles, out-of-the-ordinary baby and whimsical children’s gifts, Claire Burke Home Fragrance Collection and Lampe Berger lamps and fragrances continue to be popular purchases. Gordon’s even offers old-fashioned handkerchiefs.
The Gordon’s Louisiana cookbook collection won’t be found at another pharmacy. Check out John Folse’s Encyclopedia of Cajun and Creole Cuisine and best selling Junior League cookbooks, including Lake Charles’ own Pirate’s Pantry and Marshes to Mansions.
Gordon’s Drugs is one of the oldest businesses still in operation in Lake Charles. It began as a partnership between Frank Von Phul and S. W. Gordon in the late 1800s. Upon Gordon’s death, his daughter managed the store. In 1950, Gordon’s grandson, Sonny, received his pharmacy degree and joined the family business. In 1970, Gordon’s daughter Bernice, retired. That’s when Sonny offered George the opportunity to work with him. George finished his program at McNeese and NLU Pharmacy School in 1976.
Enjoy gifting family and friends with original lemon straws, traditional cheddar cheese straws, toasted almond cookie straws or sea salt caramel cookie straws, all from the Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory, and all available at Gordon’s.
The Paret family is descended from the Goos family and has been in Lake Charles since 1850. George’s son, Lock Paret IV, will follow in his father’s footsteps. He will join the business soon, and the Gordon’s Drug and Fine Gifts singular tradition will continue.
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Location: 2716 Lake St., Lake Charles
Owner: George Paret, III
Products: Prescriptions and gifts
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9-6 and Sat., 9-1
Phone: (337) 477-6773
