THE Pottsville business community faces a major shift with a local institution set to change hands later this week.

The Pottsville Beach Pharmacy and the nearby Pottsville Waters Pharmacy have been sold with current owners Colin and Tania Murdock confirming they will hand over ownership on June 18.

The Murdocks established the Pottsville Beach Pharmacy more than two decades ago and since then they have continued to serve their local community.

In 2008 they established a satellite service at Pottsville Waters to cater for the burgeoning population there.

In 2010 they relocated the original pharmacy to the current site in Coronation Dr and now they have decided the time is right to sell.

"Our hand was forced a little bit," Mr Murdock said.

"Someone made an offer, we declined, they made another offer. It was a pretty good offer so for us it was 'maybe it's time to sell'."

Ms Murdock, a long-time president of the Pottsville Beach Business Association said they were selling at a time when the Pottsville economy was growing at a steady rate.

"As far as business goes, it is kind of hard to step away," she said.

"Pottsville has expanded so dramatically. Business is very strong."

The couple, who have three young sons, said they would now take some time out for themselves.

Mr Murdock said he planned to take a few weeks off, but confirmed they would not be lost to the local business community.

"We still have business interests in town," he said.

Ms Murdock, a behavioural scientist, said she would continue to operate her dispute management service.

"And a lot of people have pointed out we are too young to retire," she said.

The new owner will assume control of the pharmacies from the close of business on June 18, but customers may not notice any immediate difference with the current staff set to remain.