Basinger's Turns Into One Of Joliet's Most Useful Businesses

JOLIET — Last week marked the first week of business for Harish Bhatt, the long-time president of Basinger's Pharmacy, at his new building at 2219 W. Jefferson St. Bhatt promises that Joliet residents will find his new store one of the most useful and inviting businesses in the community.

While the official name remains Basinger's Pharmacy, the real name of this place could be Basinger's Pharmacy And Everything Else.

For instance, Bhatt anticipates his first shipment of liquor will arrive and be ready to sell this weekend. He envisions "Basinger's beer cave" will allow him to compete against businesses including the Binny's Beverage Depot along Plainfield Road and the John's Beverage at 3001 W. Jefferson St., across from Inwood's golf course.

"Ice cream, beer and milk," Bhatt said of his new store's offerings. "We'll have the coldest beer in Joliet, very cold, and a wide selection."

Among the assorted beer selections, Basinger's beer cave will carry Goose Island, Revolution Brewing, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Modelo, Budweiser and Miller Lite products, Bhatt pointed out.

Just a few feet away from Basinger's giant beer cooler, Bhatt created a walk-in humidor so he can offer premium cigars.

During last week's interview, Bhatt said his first large volume shipment of cigars cost him $45,000. He is hoping to have the cigars in stock by the end of June.

"The store is going to take a while to fill up because you're dealing with so many different vendors. We will have a number of food, sandwiches and frozen foods," he explained.

In the back of the store, Basinger's pharmacy and medical equipment section are both off and running and stocked with plenty of supplies.

Basinger's sells scooters, lift chairs, portable oxygen and power wheelchairs.

One of the most useful products Basinger's sells, according to Bhatt, are the adult diapers.

"We are going to be the biggest medical equipment store in town," Bhatt vowed. "We are looking to provide a good service to the people of Joliet."

In addition to offering medical equipment, a pharmacy, the "coldest beer in town" and at least $45,000 worth of cigars that will be stocked in the humidor, Basinger's will function as a U.S. postal service, selling stamps and handling Amazon package returns for customers, Bhatt explained.

"We have a billing center for ComEd and Nicor gas," Bhatt revealed. "And people can bring their Amazon packages here."

A portion of the Basinger's Pharmacy building will be used by the Aunt Martha's community health and wellness, which has locations across the Chicago area focusing on women's health, primary care and mental health. The new Basinger's has several doctor's offices and rooms in the back of the store where people can meet with physicians and medical staff.

Overall, Bhatt envisions the pharmacy and medical supplies to be the driving force of his new store — along with an Amazon package returns and United States Postal Service substation.

There is also a drive-thru window for customers to pick up their prescription orders.

The new Basinger's is now open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Bhatt said he is still looking to hire several new staff for the pharmacy, along with clerks and employees to run the billing center.

He also said the new Basinger's Pharmacy will have a soothing smell of perfume, reminiscent of the days when people visited major department stores.

"We are a very unique drug store. Our goal is to become a premier destination," remarked Bhatt, who has been with Basinger's Pharmacy since 1989.