They moved their business there after operating Unichem Allison’s Pharmacy on Tutanekai St for the previous 14 years. Before that, they owned their first chemist business, Sinel-Francis Pharmacy in Tauranga.
Dragicevich said while they absorbed the competition of Chemist Warehouse opening in the central city in early 2023, they weren’t confident they could continue to be profitable once newcomer Bargain Chemist opened in the near future in the mall, only a few shops away.
She said they were made aware nearly four years ago Bargain Chemist had planned to open there.
“We have been trying to figure out since then how to make that work.”
Fordyce said they had established the pharmacy as a vaccination hub for the city and would give up to 130 flu vaccinations a day during peak winter periods.
He said they had given 12% of the [former Lakes District Health Board] region’s vaccinations, and he estimated that equated to tens of thousands of vaccinations in 12 years.
Fordyce said they felt they were not just a store, they were part of a community.
“We are really sad we are having to leave.”
Changing times
The couple will work the equivalent of four days a week at the nearby Chemist Warehouse and will do immunisations there as well.
They admit it will be a welcome change to slow down, having worked seven days a week for as long as they can remember.
They’re also looking forward to having a holiday together at some point this year – their first in about 13 years.
Chemist Warehouse in Rotorua. Photo / Kelly Makiha
Chemist Warehouse could not be contacted for comment.
The Rotorua Daily Post tried to spend 30 minutes with the pair on a busy afternoon at the pharmacy this week.
At no point could they stop and talk for longer than five minutes, with customers needing advice, vaccinations or specialised prescriptions.
The chatter in the pharmacy from customers was one of disappointment, as the couple and staff relayed details about their closure.
Fordyce said the reaction from locals to the closure was humbling.
“That’s what the public are going to miss because there has always been myself or Francis here working,” Fordyce said.
Francis Dragicevich and Brett Fordyce from Unichem The Mall Rotorua are calling time on owning a pharmacy in Rotorua after 26 years. Photo / Kelly Makiha
At neighbouring mall business Paper Plus Rotorua Central, manager MJ Pikimaui said customers in their store usually talked about politics, sport and the weather.
“Well this week all they can talk about is the closing. We have seen how the regulars have reacted. They have a lot of loyal customers. The community is really going to feel a loss.”
Several people commented on the pharmacy’s Facebook post announcing the closure, with many saying they would miss their professionalism and high level of service.
Others said the couple put people’s health at the centre of their service and the older generation especially would miss their advice.
What’s happening at Rotorua Central Mall
Rotorua Central Mall is owned and operated by Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings Ltd.
Pukeroa Oruawhata Group chief executive officer Mark Gibb said the mall continued to get strong demand for its retail spaces, despite the current economic environment.
“We are proud to have long-standing tenant relationships at Central Mall and Trade Central, and in just the past eight months, we have seen the addition of City Fitness, Time Zone and Fresh Choice.”
He said they were pleased to confirm Bargain Chemist was set to open, and he understood it would be mid-2026.
Bargain Chemist is set to open in Rotorua Central. Photo / Kelly Makiha
“We have a number of new and exciting Central Mall retailers in the pipeline, which we will be in a position to announce over the coming months.
“While we are seeing good interest in our retail properties, unfortunately, Unichem in Central Mall has decided to close. We wish them the best for their next steps.”
Bargain Chemist will open between the recently opened Fresh Choice and Skechers sites.
Bargain Chemist did not respond to a request for comment.
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.