London Drugs is offering up shelf space to local businesses that have had to close their doors because of COVID-19.
The Canadian retail store chain ordinarily uses its centre aisles for seasonal products, but now will be converting them into ‘Local Central.’ This will be a dedicated space for local entrepreneurs in communities across Western Canada to sell their products.
“This is a really hard time for many small businesses, and we are in a unique position in these challenging times where we can really help out,” said Clint Mahlman, President and COO of London Drugs.
“As a 75-year-old Canadian owned and operated company we have always supported fellow Canadian businesses and now is the time more than ever, to come together. As an essential service, we are here to help our local small businesses while also providing an opportunity for customers to pick up their favourite local items and support their favourite local companies.”
The chain is now accepting product submissions from businesses and the items that qualify will be sent to ‘Local Central’ aisles at select locations.
“Whether you sell coffee, local honey, or your restaurant’s graphic T-shirts, London Drugs is here to help,” said Mahlman.
According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, only 21 per cent of small businesses in Canada are fully open due to the current global pandemic and 50 per cent have reported that they are unsure if their business will survive.
London Drugs has been deemed an essential service and, according to the Canadian retailer, they “are open and have the ability to help small businesses that have had to close their retail stores, stay afloat.”
The company has outlined a set of eligibility guidelines and local businesses can see if their products qualify for the ‘Local Central’ initiative through an online application.
London Drugs said they will be using their social media channels to announce when and where local products are being sold on shelves.
This isn’t the first time London Drugs has adapted business during the COVID-19 pandemic as last month they announced the last hour of the shopping day would be reserved for frontline workers.
Graham Cox
