MABRY’S DRUG
A GREAT COMBINATION OF OLD AND NEW
M
abry’s Drug in Hamlet looks like
an old-fashioned hometown drug
store from the outside, but don’t
let appearances fool you. Inside, both the
pharmacy and home care supply business
are as modern and up-to-date as one finds
anywhere.
But what Mabry’s is the best at is what most
big box drug stores can’t touch: Family-
owned and operated, know your clients,
old-fashioned customer service.
After all, the Smart family has been an
important part of Hamlet for over 50 years.
“All of your home care and pharmacy
needs are available here at one location,”
explained Jeff Smart, co-owner of Mabry’s.
“We use a total team approach, in which
our pharmacists, respiratory therapists,
and equipment technicians combine the
latest health care technology with a genuine
concern for each patient’s well-being.”
The drug store even looked old-fashioned
up until 2000, when a fire gutted the
interior.
“We had an old-fashioned soda fountain
and maintained the 1950s look,” said Smart,
“but the fire destroyed everything inside.
It didn’t break through the exterior walls
though, so we were able to rebuild.”
So customers wouldn’t be harmed by the
drug store closing, the Smarts had a new
store up and running, in a rented space
across the street, in a week.
and expanded the business.
Jeff and Jim’s business within the business,
which supplies needed medical supplies and
equipment to patient’s homes, has tripled in
size in just the past few years.
Taking care of the community has always
been important to the Smart family. Jeff ’s
dad served as the Mayor of Hamlet before he
retired in 2006, and Jeff is currently running
for Richmond County Commissioner.
One of four kids, family ties are strong at
the store. “All of us are owners. My brother
Jim and I run the medical equipment
business and our sister Jenni Greene is the
pharmacist,” explained Jeff.
The fourth Smart sibling, Joy Smart, also
has a stake in the family business, is the
principal of Richmond County Early
College, a school where students can get a
88 • PROGRESS 2020
jump on their college hours while still in
high school.
The siblings took over the business when
dad decided to hang up his hat after running
the store for 45 years. But the kids weren’t
happy to just rely on tradition, they’ve
upgraded and modernized the operation
“We now offer home medical equipment
services in Richmond, Moore, Anson,
Scotland, Stanly, Montgomery, Hoke, and
Robeson counties,” said Smart. “And we
have offices and warehouses in Laurinburg
and Pinehearst,” he added.
Jeff sees a bright future for the entire area,
and especially Hamlet. “I’m optimistic.
Things are looking up,” he said.
And if his campaign is successful, Smart can
be one of the people guiding the county into
the future.