Market News

Shoppers Unveils Big Plans

Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. says plans are in the works to open up to 300 big box stores over the next five years. Toronto-based Shoppers has been focused on enlarging its outlets over the last four years and the new stores are expected to be between 10,000 to 12,000 square feet, significantly larger than the chain\'s current store average of 8,300 square feet. Speaking at a conference recently, Shoppers chief Glenn Murphy said the company would continue expanding its high-end cosmetics department, introduce digital photo processing units to its stores and re-launch its Optimum loyalty card. The company has also started introducing new pharmacy services to help fend off competition from other retailers such as grocers. Source: Canadian Grocer E-Newsletter, September 22nd. 2006