Websters Community Pharmacy in Altadena Collects Its Fair Share of Awards

From Top clockwise: Beautiful Altadena 91001 line at Webster’s Community Pharmacy, Meredith & Michael Miller, Receiving commendation from Christian Daly – Assistant Field Representative to LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger at Awards Dinner, Meredith M.
Webster’s Community Pharmacy takes the “community” part of its name seriously, and the fact has not gone unnoticed.
On February 1st, the Altadena Chamber of Commerce awarded the 2018 Altadena Businesses Of The Year awards to Meredith M, a women’s clothing boutique, and Webster’s Community Pharmacy, an Altadena institution. The stores stand side-by-side and are both are owned by Meredith and Michael Miller.
“It’s nice to be recognized everywhere else and we appreciate everything, but in your own community it’s even more special; that’s our backyard and these are the people that we know. That’s our customer base,” said Meredith.
The Altadena Chamber award wasn’t the first time the couple has been honored for their contributions to the community.
Webster’s Community Pharmacy received the California 41st Assembly District’s Small Business of the Year award in 2018, too.
The Millers traveled to Sacramento and attended a luncheon with California’s legislators. Of all the small business award winners from California’s districts, Webster’s was the only pharmacy recognized.. The independent neighborhood pharmacy business model is challenged by the abundance of chain stores, mail order prescriptions and rising insurance rates. “It was no coincidence that Webster’s Community Pharmacy stood alone as a Small business recipient at the Sacramento presentation.” Says Meredith.
“When you have a connection to the people in your community, and certainly as a pharmacy specializing in healthcare, you develop a different kind of relationship with people,” “That is what keeps independent pharmacy moving forward”says Meredith.
Webster’s Pharmacy was first built in 1926 by the Webster family and served as the commercial hub of the community for many years.
Meredith likened the pharmacy to a department store with a gift shop and stationary section. However, over the years, much of the pharmacy’s nonessential merchandise had been moved out.
When the Millers purchased the pharmacy from Bill Webster, the son of the original owner, in 2010, the couple aimed to return the business to its original beginnings.
They put in a gift department with greeting cards, candy, and seasonal items.
Michael is the pharmacist, and Meredith runs marketing and merchandising.. “Still a family business, just a different family,” said Meredith.
Sister store, Meredith M is named after—you guessed it, Meredith. In addition to trend-friendly clothing, the store sells fashion jewelry, baby products, bridal gifts and lifestyle products.
Meredith M and Websters Community Pharmacy host monthly events at the stores: fashion trunk shows; seasonal promotions; book signings; and happy hours with light champagne and wine offerings are popular with the community.
Webster’s Community Pharmacy also created and carries “Beautiful Altadena 91001”,an exclusive line of merchandise sold in their stores, the result of a collaboration with Hugo Arteaga Graphic Design, also a former Altadena Business of the Year winner. A portion of the proceeds go to various community organizations in Altadena.
Meredith served on the board of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce and for seven years and was Vice President and President. She is currently on the Collaborate Pasadena Leadership Council.
Webster’s Community Pharmacy is located at 2450 Lake Ave. Visit altadenarx.com or call (626) 797-1163. Instagram: @websterspharm,
Meredith M is located at 2450 Lake Ave. Visit meredith-m.com or call (626) 204-2677. Instagram:@shopmeredithm