Remembering Milwaukee Drug Stores

Our clothing of Milwaukee drug stores honors the rich history of corner pharmacies that dates back to the 19th century. Our t-shirts, long-sleeves, and hoodies of Riegelman's, Oriental Drugs, and Hayek Pharmacy remember long-gone places where you could grab lunch, make a candy stop, have an ice cream sundae, buy music, purchase makeup, and pick up a prescription. They were classic social gathering places of communities before everything became specialized and digitized. 

Milwaukee Drug Stores As Popular Destinations

Milwaukee drug stores became popular for several reasons. One of the key factors was the city's growing population, which created a demand for health and wellness products and prescription medications. Additionally, Milwaukee's thriving economy and strong business community helped support the drugstore industry's growth.

In the early 20th century, Milwaukee's drug store scene thrived, with new stores opening and established businesses expanding. During this time, many of the city's drug stores began offering a more comprehensive range of products, including health and beauty products, prescription medications, and over-the-counter remedies, along with traditional soda fountains and cafes.

Another reason for drug stores thriving was the innovation and commitment to customer service. Knowing customers on a first-name basis was a hallmark of many of Milwaukee's early drug stores. I remember my mother always greeting the owner and pharmacist of Riegelman's by their first name and catching up on family news. Even if there was turnover among employees, customers quickly knew the names of workers. Excellent customer service made Milwaukee's old drug stores now seem quaint. Still, it helped establish Milwaukee's drug stores as a trusted and reliable source of health and wellness products and social interaction, which helped attract a loyal customer base.

Honoring Favorite Milwaukee Pharmacies

In the latter half of the 20th century, many of Milwaukee's independent drug stores went out of business or were acquired by larger chains as the industry consolidated and became more centralized. However, ask an older Milwaukeean about their neighborhood drug store while growing up, and they'll probably have happy memories to share. They were dependable places to socialize, and our clothing seeks to rekindle memories of them. There are still many drug stores operating in Milwaukee, but most are now part of larger chains without the friendly feel and definitely without the soda fountain or cafe.

Remembering Favorite Milwaukee Spots

Include a t-shirt, long-sleeve, or hoodie in your fit from Remember The Tees and show your love of Milwaukee's past hangouts. If we don't have what you're looking for, contact us with your suggestion, memory, and a photo. We always like to announce a new design and share a picture of the original signage and place on social media.