Loblaw tests mini-drugstores

Article Excerpt

LOBLAW COS. $43.69 (Toronto symbol L; Shares outstanding: 278.4 million; Market cap: $12.2 billion; SI Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield 1.9%) is testing a new “minipharmacy” for its smaller supermarkets. The new pharmacies will occupy just 400 square feet. The first test will be at a No Frills store in Ontario. Right now, Loblaw has in-store pharmacies in about half of its 1,000 stores. Loblaw feels in-store pharmacies help it compete with pharmacy chains that are expanding their grocery offerings, such as Shoppers Drug Mart. As well, Loblaw’s new computers will speed up prescription processing, and give it an advantage. Loblaw is a buy. buy…