While many customers pop into French Drug Company to get vaccines or refill prescriptions, the Gulfport shop has much more to offer than medicine.
In fact, the family-owned store, which has served the Coast community since Ed French founded it in 1950, carries a wide array of items, ranging from jewelry, dolls and toys to beauty products, clothing and home decor. Originally located on 2nd Street, the business moved to the corner of Courthouse and Pass roads in 1960, where it has remained ever since.
Jessica Pittman, formerly a registered nurse, left her job to work beside her husband, John, in running the business after purchasing it in 2014.
“I have always enjoyed home decor, decorating and arts and crafts,” she says. “I enjoy finding unique gift items from local artists. It is important for us as small business owners to also support other local small businesses.”
John started at French Drug as a delivery driver, and upon his graduation from Ole Miss in 2002, he began working there as a pharmacist. Jessica started helping him run the store as a bookkeeper, and eventually, she started making and selling some of her own artwork. She has since overhauled the gift section and oversees the business side of French Drug.
The store’s best sellers include locally and Mississippi-made items, such as collegiate pillows, artwork, hand-painted glassware, pottery and candles. Shoppers also buy large amounts of Swig Life drinkware, Melissa and Doug toys, Madame Alexander dolls and Feltman Brothers and Kissy Kissy baby/ toddler clothing.
“We update on a daily basis to bring in new trending items; I don’t do the big ‘market thing,’” Jessica says. “I haven’t really had to. I enjoy buying from and supporting Mississippi-made products and purchasing wholesale from local artists.” Besides its unique inventory, customers appreciate the option of free gift wrap and local delivery services.
Jessica credits the store’s success largely to a loyal team of employees, several of whom have worked there for decades. The community’s support likewise has not waned, and she says the biggest reward of owning French Drug is providing personal attention and service.
“We get to know our customers on a first-name basis,” Jessica says, “and do our best to take care of them and our community as if it were our own family.”
IF YOU GO
French Drug Company
400 East Pass Road, Gulfport
(228) 896-5656
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Sunday
www.frenchdrugco.com
www.facebook.com/FrenchDrug/
Instagram.com/frenchdrugcompany
