TORONTO — Gregers Wedell-Wedellsborg became president of Shoppers Drug Mart this year.
Wedell-Wedellsborg had been administrating director and chief executive of Matas A/S, a Danish company that operates the largest chain of specialty retail stores for health, beauty and personal care products in Denmark and Sweden.
He succeeded Jeff Leger, who left Shoppers to become chief executive officer of 123Dentist in Toronto.
David Markwell, chief technology and analytics officer at Shoppers parent Loblaw Cos., had served as interim president.
Wedell-Wedellsborg served as an officer in the Danish army and studied international relations before working in media and entertainment during a period of rapid digital transformation. As CEO of Matas, he led the transformation of a traditional beauty and wellness retailer into a digital market leader, expanding into online pharmacy, growing membership, strengthening owned brands, and expanding from one country into four.
Loblaw this year will open 34 Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix stores and care clinics as part of a $1.75 billion outlay to expand and renovate its store network, enhance its supply chain capabilities, and create jobs across Canada.
At a time when Canadians are struggling with affordability and access to health care services, Loblaw will add 70 stores in total, including 31 hard discount No Frills and Maxi outlets, as well as the Shoppers units. The openings, along with the renovation of another 191 stores, and the continued construction of its roughly 1.2 million-square-foot automated distribution center in Caledon, Ontario, will create an anticipated 9,700 retail and construction jobs from coast to coast.
This is the second investment in the company’s five-year plan to spend $7.3 billion by 2030 — reinforcing Loblaw’s position as a major contributor to the growth of the Canadian economy, and to creating new avenues for customers to access value.
“Our success depends heavily on the strength of the communities we serve,” said Loblaw president and CEO Per Bank. “We see this as a significant investment in our network and capabilities as one of Canada’s largest retailers, but it is also an investment in the people we serve and their ability to access great value and quality health care. By helping Canadians live life well, our business gets stronger too.”
Every part of Canada will see investment as a result of this -announcement:
• Eastern Canada — Four new stores and more than 600 jobs.
• Quebec — 15 new stores and more than 1,985 jobs.
• Ontario — 27 new stores and 3,775 jobs, including roles associated with the company’s two new automated distribution centers in southern Ontario.
• Western Canada — 24 new stores and more than 3,400 jobs.
Last year, Shoppers opened seven Pharmacy Care Clinics in Surrey, British Columbia. This significant milestone will provide the community with expanded access to primary care services at a time of rapid growth, ahead of the company’s original schedule.
“Shoppers Drug Mart is proud to do its part to help the residents of Surrey, one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, by increasing access to the primary care services they need and deserve,” said Markwell. “The seven new clinic locations, with extended, after-hours care, are designed to directly support the community and take pressure off local emergency rooms and physicians. This is about ensuring families can get the care they need, when they need it, right in their own neighborhood.”
Thoughtfully designed to improve the overall patient experience, each clinic offers unique features such as child-friendly exam rooms, accessible waiting areas, and an on-site “care concierge” dedicated to providing personalized support and ensuring a smooth visit for every patient. The clinics also provide patients access to a range of pharmacy health care services, including the assessment and treatment of injuries and common conditions such as urinary tract infections and pink eye — free with a valid British Columbia health card.
“Timely access to care and trusted health advice are at the heart of pharmacy care clinics,” said B.C. Minister of Health Josie Osborne. “With the new Evergreen Mall location, along with others opening across Surrey, people will be able to get injections, medication reviews and assessments for minor illnesses close to home — often with little or no wait.”
Mayor Brenda Locke said, “As Surrey continues to grow, access to health care is more important than ever. These seven new clinics are improving access to care for residents, while helping ease pressure on emergency rooms and family doctors. Thank you to Shoppers Drug Mart for their commitment to our community and for helping to build a healthier future for Surrey residents.”
“I’m pleased to welcome the new Pharmacy Care Clinic to Fleetwood,” said B.C. Legislative Assembly member Jagrup Brar. “This initiative will enhance access to timely, community-based health care and support the wellbeing of families across Surrey. It’s encouraging to see partnerships like this bringing innovative services closer to home.”
Shoppers Drug Mart
KEY EXECUTIVE
David Markwell, President
HEADQUARTERS
243 Consumers Road, North York, Ontario M2J 4W8 Canada
Phone: (416) 493-1220
Website: shoppersdrugmart.com
TRADE CLASS — Drug Chain
FULL-YEAR RESULTS
Pharmacy sales — $9.94 billion*
Overall sales — $18.67 billion*
Number of stores — 1,376
Number of pharmacies — 1,376
Number of provinces operating — 10 (plus two territories)
*Canadian dollars.
