Metro Acquires Pharmacy Biz of 7 Zellers Stores

Metro Ontario Inc., a subsidiary of Montreal-based Metro Inc., has acquired the pharmacy business, including prescription files, of seven Zellers pharmacies in Ontario. The No. 3 Canadian grocer said it would ensure continuity of care for Zellers’ pharmacy customers with a seamless transition process.

The acquisition consists of Zellers pharmacies in Hamilton, London, Mississauga, Sudbury and Collingwood, and two in Brampton. With a Metro or Food Basics store already up and running in each community, Zellers’ pharmacy customers will be close to their new pharmacists and pharmacy teams.

“At Metro, we continually strive to provide Ontario residents with a range of products and services that will allow them to live well and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” noted Lyman Kwok, VP pharmacy operations at Toronto-based Metro Ontario. “We invite our new customers to visit our stores and speak with one of our staff members to learn more about our offerings and services.”

Pharmacy service offerings at Metro and Food Basics bannered stores include a celiac disease screening program, compliance packaging, nutritional shopping tours, medication reviews and in-store blood pressure monitoring. With each prescription, customers receive drug information sheets, in addition to nutritional information sheets for a range of medications.

“We are working closely with Metro on a smooth transition for pharmacy customers while fully ensuring the protection of confidential patient information,” said Lori Fasano, general merchandise manager of pharmacy for Brampton-based Zellers, a long-established mass-merchandise discount store chain.

Metro operates than 600 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Food Basics, as well as over 250 drug stores under the Brunet, The Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners.