Celebrating a Century: Riley’s Drugs Marks 100 Years in Business
LEXINGTON, SC – A warm sun beamed down on the festivities as locals gathered to celebrate a major milestone in their community this past weekend. Riley’s Drugs, the beloved independent pharmacy, proudly marked its 100th anniversary with a celebration filled with smiles, stories, and a whole lot of nostalgia.
A Humble Beginning
Established in 1924 by the late Dr. Sid Riley, Riley’s Drugs began its journey in the Red Bank Mill village. An orphan from Batesburg, Dr. Riley graduated from the MUSC College of Pharmacy and pursued his dream of serving the community through health. Over the decades, Riley’s Drugs has transformed from its original location, which tragically burned down in the 1940s due to a lightning strike, into a cherished institution.
Generational Partnerships
Roberta Vining, the current owner and pharmacist, reflects on her father’s partnerships and legacy. Her dad, Bob Perry, joined the team in 1967. “Dr. Riley wanted to mentor someone, and he found my dad. The rest was history!” she chuckled, remembering how her father was brought into the fold. “He started off working for Dr. Riley, who saw potential in him and eventually became partners, taking over the business in 1982 after Dr. Riley passed.”
The Next Generation
Roberta herself started working at Riley’s during her high school years, learning the ropes and values from both Dr. Riley and her dad. Under her leadership, the pharmacy moved to its current location at 1207 West Main Street in 2012. Roberta felt deeply connected to the mission of Riley’s: “I’ve been taught to provide exceptional customer service and to really listen to our patients. Knowing our customers and their families—it’s what makes us special,” she explained.
Commemorating the Legacy
The recent celebration saw the community come out in full force. “It was amazing to see everyone, young and old. Our oldest attendee was a 94-year-old patient, and our youngest was just four months old,” Roberta noted proudly. It was a heartwarming reminder of how many generations Riley’s has served and the deep roots it has established in the community.
More Than Just a Pharmacy
Riley’s Drugs isn’t just about filling prescriptions; it’s a healthcare hub offering a range of services including vitamins, supplements, CBD products, multiple vaccines, hormone replacement therapy, medical equipment, and even pet medications. “We want our customers to see us as their go-to place for all their healthcare needs,” Roberta said, highlighting the wide array of services available.
A Bright Future Ahead
The Lexington Chamber joined in the festivities, presenting Riley’s Drugs with a key to the town. What an honor it was for Roberta and her team! She shared her hopes for the future: “We have such a rich history to look back on, but we’re also excited about what lies ahead. Here’s to the next 100 years!”
The Community’s Pharmacy
The humble pharmacy’s success story underscores the importance of community connection in healthcare. As Roberta concluded, “We’re not just a pharmacy; we’re part of the community. And we’ve earned trust across generations, which is invaluable.” With mostly sunny skies and temperatures reaching a pleasant high of 85°F, it was the perfect day to celebrate a beloved Lexington institution.
Here’s to Riley’s Drugs and the next chapter in their journey! If you’re in the area, swing by and say hello. You might just become part of their next century of cherished memories!
