The number of independent pharmacies has been dwindling. The National Community Pharmacists Association says about 20,000 exist today -- down by half from 20 years ago. They are being replaced by drug and supermarket chains, which often open up in the same neighborhood, and offer a wider selection of items.

But Abby Griffin says the chain stores are impersonal, so she comes to Morgan's. "It's the friendliness, and you feel you trust the pharmacist," she said. "And you trust their advice."

Independents like Morgan Pharmacy often provide services the chain stores don't, such as compounding certain drugs and creams by hand and delivering prescriptions. Detschman says the pharmacists also take the time to talk with customers and get to know them.

"So it's more than just being the neighborhood pharmacist, it's being part of the community," Deutschman explained. "You don't get treated like this in chain drug stores."

Despite the competition, Deutshman hopes Morgan Pharmacy will be around for a long time. "I have the most wonderful clientele in the world. I have no plans on retiring. Our plan is to hang in there as long as we can," he said.