Morris & Dickson

About

The story of Morris & Dickson began in 1841 when John Worthington Morris, an immigrant from Wales, established a modest drugstore on Texas Street in Shreveport, Louisiana. This was a time when Shreveport itself was a nascent town, a crucial steamboat port and a gateway for settlers heading towards Texas. Morris, an enterprising individual, not only started his business but also became an integral part of the community, serving as city tax assessor and helping to organize Shreveport's First Presbyterian Church. The early years saw the business evolve, and after several reorganizations and surviving the tumult of the Civil War, the company saw a significant new chapter with the arrival of Dr. Samuel Augustus Dickson, a physician and druggist from New Orleans, who bought into the company. The firm was officially incorporated as “Morris & Dickson Co. Ltd.” in 1896. Through the early 20th century, the Dickson family became central to the company's leadership, a legacy that continues to this day. Over its extensive history, Morris & Dickson has demonstrated remarkable resilience, navigating through significant national events like the Great Depression and natural disasters, including a direct hit from a tornado in 1996 and the impact of hurricanes like Katrina and Rita. There were periods of profound challenge, including a time in 1932 when the company's future seemed uncertain, only to be rescued by strategic decisions that allowed it to re-enter the wholesale pharmaceutical business five years later. The mid-20th century, under the leadership of Markham Allen Dickson, saw a push towards embracing automation and technology, a forward-thinking approach that laid the groundwork for future efficiencies. The company's commitment to innovation and customer service allowed it to grow significantly. By concentrating resources and focusing on warehouse efficiencies and pharmacy-specific software, Morris & Dickson established itself as a major player in the pharmaceutical distribution industry. This dedication to service and adaptation has allowed Morris & Dickson to not only survive but to thrive, becoming the nation's largest independent full-line pharmaceutical distributor, a testament to its enduring family leadership and commitment to its core values of serving pharmacies and patients. Today, approaching $6 billion in annual sales and distributing over 30,000 SKUs, the company continues its journey from a small apothecary to a national distribution leader.