Two well-known, inner city Invercargill pharmacies are merging with Unichem Mills Pharmacy joining Unichem UFS Pharmacy at their Tay Street premises.

Pharmacists Nathan and Louise Lyall, who operate Unichem Mills Pharmacy, will be taking the reins under the Unichem UFS Pharmacy name after buying the business.

“We’re keeping the Unichem UFS Pharmacy name for continuity’s sake as it’s a longstanding brand that’s strongly associated with the Tay St location,” Nathan said.

The pharmacy profession has evolved markedly in recent years with ownership models changing and growth areas - such as natural health products and vaccinations - playing a bigger part in day-to-day operations, he said.

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Customers were extremely loyal to their local pharmacies and Nathan said they were excited to be bringing their customer base over to Unichem UFS Pharmacy, and getting to know a new group of customers at the Tay St premises.

“We know our customers really well, and we pride ourselves on providing first-class health care and advice.”

Invercargill was going through a lot of change and Nathan said they were looking forward to being part of the redeveloped CBD area.

“We’re committed to the inner city and excited about the new developments that we believe will continue to rejuvenate the city’s CBD.”

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Nathan and Louise also own Stewart's Pharmacy on Dee St, which Louise has managed since its purchase in 2014.

They have three sports-mad boys who keep them busy away from the pharmacy shop floor, Nathan said.

Nathan is also well-known in Southland rugby circles, having taken charge of 120 senior club games to date during a lengthy refereeing career. He began refereeing in 2001 before taking a break from the game while living overseas, and has been back with whistle in hand since 2007. He has also been Chair of the Rugby Southland Referees.

Mills Pharmacy has operated in the inner city since 1967. The Kelvin St premises Mills Pharmacy is vacating will be sub-let.