St. Michael Thrifty White to Close its Doors

The anticipated "pharmacy war" in St. Michael has claimed its first victim, before the first shot was really ever fired.

Friday, April 15, corporate leaders told employees at 21 Main Street South that it had sold its prescriptions to Walgreens, and would close the doors on the Cornerstone Development anchor Saturday, April 30.

"All prescription information will be available to our former customers at Walgreens the following day, May 1, when it opens for business," said Dave Rueter, spokesman for Thrifty White.

Wednesday, shoppers were sorting through gifts, clothing and health items in the store, which were heavily discounted. Markdowns began Monday, and will run through 6 p.m. Saturday, April 30.

"We've taken greeting cards down to half price," said manager Brenda Knickerehm. "Clothing is 33 percent off the red tage price and all gifts are 50 percent off."

Thrifty White has operated in St. Michael for more than a decade, Rueter said. The chain, which has 84 stores in the Upper Midwest, opened the store at the Cornerstone Development in 2007, after about a year of construction.

CVS opened its doors in St. Michael back on Jan. 1, and Walgreens will open May 1. Another pharmacy is targeting the Marketplace grocery store at Highway 241 for another option, not to mention pharmacy locations in Albertville.

"It's tough," Knickerehm said. "There are a lot of long-term employees here."

She added that Walgreens had met with some staff, but indicated many spots are already filled across the street at 9 Central Avenue in St. Michael.

City of St. Michael staff and members of the Economic Development Authority discussed the closing at a Wednesday afternoon meeting.

"Thrifty White made the decision to sell," said Marc Weigle, community development director, said. "We'll be speaking with the owner of the building, who's out of Rochester."

Weigle said the city hopes to have a new client in the location as soon as possible.