Rite Aid Corp., the third largest drugstore chain in the U.S., has added grocery sections to 10 stores in South Carolina through a partnership with Supervalu Inc.
CEO John Standley told analysts Thursday during a conference call to discuss quarterly results that sales for the front-end, or non-pharmacy areas, of these stores have doubled on average. Some stores have even seen their front-end sales triple, although margins can be lower thanks in part to products like perishable items. He said the company needs a few more months to understand the economics of the concept.
An analyst asked about its potential.
QUESTION: Do you think this could be a vehicle for getting into more urban markets or having more of an impact in those markets?
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