A company that owns and operates three or fewer pharmacies is classified as what?

A company that owns and operates three or fewer pharmacies is classified as an independent drug store. Independent drug stores are typically characterized by their smaller size, often family-owned or operated, and they usually have a more personalized approach to customer service. These pharmacies are not part of a larger chain, which allows them to maintain their individuality in offerings and community involvement.

In contrast, chain drug stores consist of multiple locations that are owned by the same corporate entity and usually offer standardized products and services across all their locations. Franchise pharmacies are associated with larger franchising companies, which can allow for more extensive resources but also adhere to specific operating procedures dictated by the franchisor. Corporate pharmacies generally refer to large health systems or companies that operate pharmacies as part of their larger business model and usually encompass extensive networks of pharmacies, making them vastly different from independent drug stores.