Independent vs. chain
Big chains do some things well, and we’ll say so. Here’s where they win, where we do, and what we’ve done to close the gap, so you can decide what’s right for you.
Being honest about this is the point. Lots of people stay with a chain for good reasons. Here’s what we do about each one.
Many chain locations are open evenings, Sundays, and some 24 hours.
We keep shorter hours (closed Sundays), so we bring the pharmacy to you instead. Free delivery on every prescription order, no questions asked, anywhere in the GTA & Hamilton. Order by 2 PM and it arrives that evening, so you don’t need to make it here by 6.
When the pharmacy is open late, it’s easy to pop in whenever a refill runs out.
We line all your refills up to one date (med sync), so there are fewer runs to make in the first place. Blister packs sort everything by day and time.
Travelling or moving? There’s a chain store in most towns.
If you need a fill somewhere else, we’ll transfer your prescription to whichever pharmacy you choose, and back again when you’re home. No hassle, no guilt trip.
Cosmetics, snacks and groceries in the same trip.
We’re a pharmacy first. Our space goes to a private counselling room and on-site compounding rather than aisles of shampoo.
The things that are hard to do at scale, and easy for a small team that knows you.
You deal with the same small team, so we know your history, your allergies and what worked last time. You never have to start from scratch.
Questions about side effects, interactions or a new prescription get a real conversation, in person, by text or by phone. Not a rushed answer over a line-up.
We compound custom medications ourselves: different strengths, liquids instead of pills, allergen-free versions. Most chain locations send this out or don’t offer it.
No minimum and no fee on any order with a prescription, anywhere in the GTA & Hamilton. Same evening if you order by 2 PM on a weekday.
Pharmacist prescribing for common conditions, plus every vaccine you need, from people who already know your health history.
There’s no head office script or sales quota. If something should be done differently for you, we can just do it.
Chain experiences vary by store. This is what’s typical, not a promise about any one location.
| Kennedy Pharmacy | Typical chain | |
|---|---|---|
| Who you talk to | The same pharmacist and team every visit | Whoever is on shift |
| Reaching a pharmacist | Text or call; a person answers | Phone menus and hold queues are common |
| Delivery | Free with any prescription; same evening if ordered by 2 PM | Varies; fees or minimums at many stores |
| Custom compounding | Made on site | Usually sent out or not offered |
| Hours | Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 9–1, closed Sun | Often evenings and weekends |
| Private counselling room | Yes | Varies by store |
| Who decides how you’re treated | The pharmacist in front of you | Corporate policy |
No. Drug prices are regulated in Canada, so the medication itself costs essentially the same at an independent pharmacy as at a big chain. The only real difference between pharmacies is a small one: the dispensing fee. Ours is about average, and it’s typically covered by your insurance. Text or call us and we’ll tell you exactly what dispensing fee, if any, you’d pay.
Plan ahead with us and you rarely will: med sync lines up your refills, and we’ll deliver for free before you run out. For true emergencies after hours, a 24-hour pharmacy or hospital is the right call, and we’re happy to send your prescription there.
No. We contact your old pharmacy and transfer your prescriptions, including remaining refills. Your medication history comes with you.
Of course. We’ll transfer a prescription out whenever you need it, for travel or anything else, and back again later.
We bill the Ontario Drug Benefit, OHIP+ and most private drug plans directly. Text or call us with your plan details and we’ll confirm.
It takes one photo and about five minutes. We do the rest, including the call to your old pharmacy.
