Carroll Drugstore, Inc.

Southwest Harbor, Maine

A full-service drugstore and general variety store, Carroll Drugstore in Southwest Harbor stocks everything from prescriptions and personal goods to underwear, groceries and gifts.  Store Manager Lucy Hodgkins tries to stock as many Maine products as she can, but this is no souvenir shop.  Locals and summer visitors rely on Carroll Drugstore for everyday goods as well as choice, locally made gifts and gourmet foods. Her customers love Maine Kettle Corn, Raye’s Mustards, Manset Cookies, Debbie’s Blueberryware and Crossman’s Pottery.

Like many local businesses Carroll Drugstore can feel the pressure of competition from the big box stores because they offer similar goods at lower prices.  But, Lucy says that if products are priced appropriately Maine products sell really well.  And, she says she rarely buys crafts or giftware made outside of Maine because she really believes in supporting and promoting the local economy.  She also emphasizes that since there are so many quality goods being made in Maine that there’s no need to look elsewhere for interesting crafts and specialty foods. 

With her focus on Maine goods, Lucy attends only Maine trade shows.  Shows like NEPTS let her see new products in person.  She wants to see and handle an item before making a purchase so that all the Maine products she buys are successful at Carroll Drugstore.