Manager: Perry Hall Walgreens a 'True Community Store'

Dave Foster said he's fortunate to live only five minutes away from work. The manager of Perry Hall's second Walgreens, at the corner of Belair Road and Silver Spring Road, said customers are often surprised that 90 percent of the store's workers also live in Perry Hall.

"It's a true community store," Foster said.

The store opened its doors back in September after multiple delays and complaints from community members about the addition of another corporate drug store. About 10 pharmacies already serve Perry Hall, and a second Walgreens is located just two miles north. 

"The biggest question I've received is 'Why is it so close?' It's a matter of demand," Foster said. "Some of the other pharmacies are overflowing. It gets to the point where it's not quick and convienant anymore."

He added that many of the store's customers are traveling from White Marsh and Overlea for prescription drug services at the new state-of-the-art facility. Computer kiosks provide prescription processing without having to wait in line, and the store's inventory is unmatched, the manager said.

At , the newest Walgreens is Perry Hall's largest drug store.

Beside the pharmacy, Foster said many amenities at the new store are still in the works. A clinic featuring a nurse practitioner is planned, as well as an expanded selection of fresh food.

A grand opening celebration is also planned for Oct. 12. It is expected to feature a moon bounce, food and prizes, promotional sales, local Boy Scouts and a fundraiser for Daniel Borowy, the victim of the Perry Hall High School shooting in August. 

"If we can just get people in the door, we can show them what we're about. It's bright and shiny and new, but it's also a different atmosphere and a different culture," Foster said.