Our History
Hirons has been in existence since the early 1930's. Jack Hirons, a local pharmacist, started a business called Pennywise Drug and located it on Broadway, between Oak and Pearl, downtown. He moved it to 986 Willamette Street, across from what is now the Downtown Athletic Club in the 1940's. Relatives (Sred and Evie Malkasian), friends, and other Eugeneans all worked in the store on Willamette St until in the 1960's, Jack moved it to the current location at 185 E 18th. In 1966, Jack and Esther boarded a West Coast Airlines flight out of Eugene that crashed on the way to Portland. In the midst of this tragedy, John Hirons stepped in to lead Hirons as Larry was in medical school, training to become a family physician. Phyllis entered the picture when she married John and gradually took over the buying of much of the everyday and holiday giftware. Steve (son of John and Phyllis) joined the business in 1992 and Hirons has continued to succeed as a Eugene institution! We're glad to be a part of this community and value your efforts to support a locally owned business!
See our family of employees!
John Hirons
John got his start working in his dad's (Jack Hirons) store in the 40's and 50's. He took over the business in 1966 and has worked diligently to create stores with originality and uniqueness. Who wants to be the same as a Walgreens?! Now in his 70's, John puts his stamp on store displays, buying of product, and advertising. Look for him working on the sales floor and say hi!
Phyllis Hirons
Phyllis married into the family in the 60's (to John) and gradually was drawn into the business doing more and more gift buying and display. She loved to share the experience and wisdom she gained over the years with new staff and enjoyed attending gift shows and meeting with sales reps. Phyllis "relocated" to heaven in 2015 but her fingerprint at Hirons is evident today. She loved to volunteer with Young Life and loved Jesus with all her heart.
Steve Hirons
Steve is the son of John and Phyllis and has been working at Hirons since he was 5 years old, pricing mugs in the backroom! After college, Steve re-joined the family business and handles much of the day to day operations. Don't hesitate to contact Steve and give him any feedback!
Additional Services
- ATM
- Greeting Cards
- Photo Kiosk
- RefillRx Mobile App
- Text Notifications
- Woodwick Candles
- Automatic Refills
- Gift Shop
- Medicare Part D Consulting
- Vitamins
- Prescription Refills
- Local Delivery
It is health that is real wealth
and not pieces of gold and silver.
