Mike’s Compounding Apothecary has opened in Gearhart.

GEARHART — A pharmacist has made his way down to the coast from Vancouver, Washington, to fill a need in Gearhart.

Nestled in a rustic former post office, Mike’s Compounding Apothecary offers a softer alternative to the fluorescent lights of chain pharmacies.

While Mike Graeff fills prescriptions and formulates custom medications in the back room, his wife, Bonnie, sits at the counter and welcomes customers. Behind her is a colorful array of old-fashioned licorice. Artfully arranged throughout the store are candles, postcards, stuffed animals, homeopathic concoctions, artisan soaps and skincare products.

“We’ve had a home here since 2006,” Bonnie Graeff said. “During COVID, we came down and just kind of stayed. We’ve always loved it in Gearhart.”

Mike Graeff has been a pharmacist for 52 years, propelled by a love of chemistry and helping the community. A graduate of the University of Washington, his training began in the field of compounding. Compounding refers to the preparation of custom medications to fit the unique needs of patients that cannot be met with mass-produced products.

“If it’s not made commercially, we make it,” he said. “We develop a formula with both active and inactive ingredients. Physicians can write a prescription for compounded drugs, and the law allows the pharmacies in most states to formulate it, compound it. So we kind of act as an intermediary between the patient, the physician and the pharmacy.”

Providence Seaside Hospital spokesperson Mike Antrim said the hospital is in favor of services in the community that help patients.

“We see that as a positive benefit for the overall health of our communities to access customized medications close to home,” he said.

The Graeffs believe the small, close-knit community of Gearhart is a perfect fit for the old-fashioned business.

“A lot of chains are closing because they can’t get pharmacists,” Mike Graeff said. “But we think it’s an opportunity to do something different.”

The apothecary on S. Cottage Avenue also prescribes compounding medication for pets.

“To my knowledge, there’s not a lot of people opening up stores, they’re closing them down,” he said. “And my idea is to do this for the rest of my life. And, you know, just help people and help pets.”