Business
18 December, 2025
Full circle for city pharmacist
IT’S full circle for pharmacist Nick Loukas as he returns to lead Priceline Pharmacy at Smithfield Shopping Centre.
Mr Loukas is the new local owner of Priceline Pharmacy Smithfield, almost at the same spot as the old Thriftways Pharmacy – the original Smithfield pharmacy where he began his pharmacy career nearly 40 years ago.
“I worked in this very spot as a grade 12 student and later completed my internship here in 1987,” Mr Loukas said.
“It’s really special to come back as the owner of this pharmacy and continue serving the community that shaped my career.”
After beginning his career at Smithfield, he went on to become its original owner under the Alive Pharmacy brand – a group he founded in 2010.
He later established the Vitality Pharmacy Warehouse group, which now operates across Cairns, Cooktown and Calliope.
With Priceline Pharmacy Smithfield joining his portfolio, Mr Loukas said he was bringing together the strength of a national brand with the personalised service, care and community connection that defined his locally-owned chain of pharmacies.
He said the whole team from Vitality Pharmacy Warehouse Smithfield would be relocating to the Priceline Pharmacy Smithfield store.
The store’s pharmacist manager is Chloe Hrkac, who brings advanced expertise and a passion for patient care. She has undertaken additional clinical training to provide an extended scope of practice, allowing her to prescribe medications and deliver a broader range of primary healthcare services.
Adding to the story’s sentiment, Sheri Barfoot, who worked alongside Mr Loukas during his student years at the original Thriftways Pharmacy, remains part of the team and will continue serving customers at Priceline Pharmacy Smithfield.
“It feels like coming home,” Mr Loukas said.
“Sheri and I have shared a long history in pharmacy, and together with our amazing team, we’re proud to keep caring for the community that means so much to us,” he said.
“This isn’t just business for us, it’s personal. Our customers are neighbours, friends and families we’ve known for years. We’re here to make sure they always feel supported, valued and in great hands.”
