Northumberland News

PORT HOPE — After being listed for sale, it will be business as usual for Port Hope’s Shoppers Drug Mart on Ontario Street. For now.

Loblaw Companies Limited announced on March 21 its successful acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation, but as part of the deal would sell 18 stores, including nine pharmacy outlets. The 18 stores listed to be sold includes the Shoppers Drug Mart on Ontario Street.

“It is important to clarify that the store is to be sold not closed,” said Tammy Smitham, vice-president of communications and corporate affairs for Shoppers.

Ms. Smitham said the process to sell the Ontario Street store will take several months.

“It is important to clarify that the store is to be sold not closed.” Tammy Smitham

“Until that process is complete it is business as usual in that location and the store will continue to operate under the Shoppers Drug Mart banner,” she said. “We are working closely with the associate-owners and their store teams to ensure a smooth transition. In the meantime, they remain an important and valued part of our two organizations.”

The announcement came after the Canadian Competition Bureau approved the sale. But as part of the sale, Loblaw agreed to sell 18 stores and nine pharmacy locations to maintain a competitive market in the area.

A representative from Loblaw did not respond to Northumberland News’ request for comment by press time.

Loblaw did state in a press release, it “does not anticipate any store closures as a result of these divestitures.”