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If location is everything, Shoppers Drug Mart s newest store in downtown Toronto should have it made. The 9,200-sq.-ft. store is situated at a busy intersection in the heart of the city's cultural and financial district. The location is so ideal that the company was willing to open its first two-level store on the site.
"We were all a bit nervous at first-two-level drug stores are still somewhat unusual, says Michael Lovsin, co-owner of the Shoppers Drug Mart franchise store in Toronto. Based in Willowdale, Ontario, Shoppers Drug Mart operates 684 franchised units throughout Canada.
The ownership of the store is another first for Shoppers Drug Mart it's the company s first co-owned outlet. Lovsin manages the front end, while the co-owner, Felicity Lee-Shanok, a pharmacist, runs the pharmacy. Both had worked for Shoppers Drug Mart for several years prior to purchasing the franchise.
"We are equal partners in the operation of the store and its profits. Although we divide responsibilities, we both have a hands-on knowledge of the overall business," says Lee-Shanok, who, under Canada's dispensary licensing requirements, is legally registered as the sole director.
Shoppers Drug Mart had been considering the idea of a duel partnership between pharmacy and front end for some time. The two-level site seemed the perfect opportunity to test the concept.
"The home office approached us with the idea and arranged a meeting between myself and Michael," says Lee-Shanok. "As soon as we met, we knew it would work. We just clicked. We are both very up people."
Two-stories: The store, which opened in March, is located...