Our History

It Started With A Vision.
People’s Pharmacy, borne from the passion and determination of our President, Donna Pearman, is constantly evolving in its physical appearance but remains steadfast in its original purpose - to be a pharmacy for all people. An interest in the business of retail pharmacy, encouragement from loyal customers to open her own, and the challenge of operating her own business, inspired Ms. Pearman to take the leap of faith and open People's Pharmacy on October 31st 1984.

The name People’s Pharmacy was chosen primarily because she wanted a pharmacy that would make everyone – regardless of ethnicity, economic or social standing – feel welcome. In 1984, the common perception was that people of other races did not traditionally support black owned businesses and she was determined to prove that perception false.

People's Pharmacy was a trailblazer in many respects: the first on the island to have a computerized dispensary system and the first pharmacy on island to open all day on Sunday. People’s Pharmacy was open 83 hours a week from Monday to Saturday from 8:00am to 8:30pm and Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm. The store opened with 5 full time staff and was originally 900 square feet of rented space, which included the dispensary, the shop floor, a storeroom, an office and a toilet. People’s Pharmacy sold health and beauty products, candy, small toys and cards in addition to our primary business of dispensing prescriptions.

At present, People's Pharmacy employs over 35 full time and 12 part time staff. The company purchased the building it occupied and the adjacent lots of land to create the current physical plant. We have grown, after several renovations, to include a retail space of over 5,000 square feet, a warehouse of over 3,000 square feet, additional office space, an elevator and lunchroom for staff in addition to free customer parking from Victoria to Church Street. The product selection has grown to include an award winning toy store, a baby section that is unrivaled in its merchandise selection and a self service deli. Our gift section has also had a remarkable transformation and the selection rivals the department stores and gift shops on the island.

People's Pharmacy has been voted Best Pharmacy in Bermuda for the past nine years; our toy store has been voted Best Toy Store for the past three years. These awards are a testament to the dedication of our entire team. In 2004, People’s Pharmacy celebrated its 20th Anniversary. In honor of our 20 years in business and as a thank you to the community that had supported us, we hosted a large block party between Victoria and Union Streets.

Our present location was dedicated and renamed the “Norris S. Pearman Building”, in honor of our Vice President. The philosophy that People’s Pharmacy opened with in 1984 still remains the same today on the eve of our 25th Anniversary.