Walgreens set to open Keeaumoku store Nov. 1
The outlet is the first of at least three that are planned for Hawaii
Walgreen Co. has set Nov. 1 as the opening date of its first Hawaii store.
A Hawaiian blessing will be held outside the store at 1488 Kapiolani Blvd. (the former Tower Records site) at 9 a.m., with the store opening afterward. Police will help direct traffic.
The Kapiolani store at the corner of Keeaumoku Street is the first of at least three that are planned for Hawaii, with a fourth site in the works. Other Walgreens are planned at the former Star Market in Kaneohe and the former Kam Bowl in Kalihi, and expected to open in the second half of 2008.
Walgreens has selected more than 50 local suppliers for its first store, according to spokes-man Michael Polzin.
He declined to name the individual companies, but said that products they will supply include bread, dairy products, soft drinks, water, snacks, grocery items, automotive needs, souvenirs and greeting cards.
"We're committed to offering a broad selection of local products so that from the first day, our customers feel at home in our stores," said Dana Psomas, Walgreens district manager for Hawaii. "We're especially proud to have so many local suppliers represented in a store smaller than our typical size."
Psomas said the assistance of local vendors has been invaluable to Walgreens, since it is new to the market.
Eventually, Walgreens plans to open 25 to 30 stores throughout Hawaii.
The Deerfield, Ill.-based Walgreens operates 6,014 stores in 48 states and Puerto Rico, and recorded sales of $53.8 billion for fiscal year 2007, which ended Aug. 31.