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London Drugs celebrates grand opening

London Drugs opened its new location in the St. Albert Centre on June 16. The store will differ from its two previous locations with the additions of a learning centre and medical office.
Clint Mahlman
Clint Mahlman

London Drugs opened its new location in the St. Albert Centre on June 16. The store will differ from its two previous locations with the additions of a learning centre and medical office.

Shelly Nicholson, store manager of London Drugs, said she expects the learning lab to be a main attraction for customers.

“I think that’s going to be a huge opportunity to draw customers in once they’ve bought their devices,” she said.

Experts will teach topics on products from each department. The lab dates will be posted on the store website.

The medical clinic is expected to open around July 10. It will house one doctor with the potential of adding more in the future.

London Drugs has about 38,000 square feet of space and also houses a large tech centre, cosmetic centre and a recycling centre.

Nicholson says she’s excited for the wider selection of products.

“We’re able to service our customers as we were 14 months ago, but even better with this location and what we offer.”

She has been with London Drugs for 32 years and experienced the move from the old London Drugs location last April. For the last 14 months the business has been operating out of a smaller, temporary store at St. Albert Centre.

The grand opening on June 16 began with a presentation by London Drugs executives and mayor Nolan Crouse, and ended with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Emile Brulotte, 71, was named the very first customer of the store. As first customer he had the honour of cutting the ribbon with Nicholson.

“We’re very excited. I’m sure a lot of people will take advantage of the store,” Brulotte said.

Crouse commemorated the staff for their hard work during London Drugs’ transitions.

“Thank you to the staff for sticking with it over a period of time, you’ve gone through a lot of change in the last year,” he said.

He said the store is going to serve as a great addition for St. Albertans.

“I’m most happy that they continue to reinvest in St. Albert,” he said. “It provides employment, it provides people an opportunity to shop at home.”

Clint Mahlman, chief operating officer with London Drugs, said the store’s pharmacy would contain more wellness and health products than the old location.

“While we’re known for our photography, we’re known for our electronics, we’re known for our cosmetics, we are a health care provider first and foremost. At the end of the day, that’s really critical to our success is to make sure that people have a sense of integrated health.”

During the ribbon cutting ceremony London Drugs also presented a cheque for $5,000 to the St. Albert Food Bank.

Store hours are Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information on the store and its learning labs visit www.londondrugs.com/WorkshopList.html

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