Album Cover Art Decorates Walls of Riverview Pharmacy

It's not the type of decor you'd normally expect to find in a pharmacy.

But, then again, The Compounding Shop isn't your typical pharmacy, says pharmacist Leott Wydetic.

Located at 13224 Boyette Rd., Riverview, The Compounding Shop is a compounding-only pharmacy that custom makes medications and nutritional supplements based on the physician and patient's dosage and strength preference.

Four years ago after opening the shop, Wydetic and pharmacy technician Chris Ferlita faced an expanse of blank walls, an empty reception desk and a wall of glass separating the customers from the medications. They were debating how to decorate the shop when they came up with the idea of incorporating their extensive collection of record albums from the 1970s and '80s.

"The cover art from back then is amazing," said Wydetic. "And there's just something so nostalgic and comforting about albums -- those days before iPods and downloadable music when you would get a record that you could open like a book and read the lyrics.

"I remember it as an experience you shared with all your friends," she continued. "It was so much fun to get together and listen to music."

With that in mind, Wydetic and Ferlita chose their favorite album art and lined the walls of the pharmacy with more than 40 album covers. Now clients can take a trip down memory lane, remembering their first Styx, Rod Stewart, Bruce Springsteen and Pink Floyd albums.

Some are immediately identifiable, such as the iconic cover of "Born in the USA" with Bruce Springsteen's back to the camera and a bandana strategically hanging out of the back pocket of his jeans. Others, like Styx' "Grand Illusion" album, a homage to a painting by René Magritte, are notable for their artistic detail.

"Everyone who walks in comments about remembering this album or that one," said Wydetic. "It just makes the trip here a little more enjoyable."

Wydetic and Ferlita accented the album art with an old bass guitar they picked up at a flea market, an antique cash register, antique first aid kit and even an old-time mortar and pestle.

"It's just something different," said Wydetic. "There's no reason a pharmacy should look so sterile. It's so nice to see people come in here and start smiling when they look around."

For more information on The Compounding Shop, visit its website.

Tips for collecting album art

• First, peruse your own album collection or your parents' album collection for some great art, said Wydetic. Some albums were well used so look for examples with little wear.
• Wydetic said she's found some amazing cover art at the Lighthouse Ministries thrift store at 535 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon.
• 807 W. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, carries an extensive collection of vintage as well as new vinyl. Check the bargain bin for $1 specials. 
• Check out yard sales. You can find a variety of music for a buck or two.
• Craigslist and ebay also offer vinyl for sale, although you might pay more.
• Protect your album covers with customized frames at Target for $9.99 each. 

Do you have a favorite album cover? Tell us in the comments section below.