Shoppers Drug Mart USA

I live in Seattle, and as a result, make it Canada a little more frequently than the average American. Even on the shortest day trip, I usually find myself inside a Shoppers Drug Mart at least once. Shoppers (operating as Pharmaprix in Quebec) is the largest drug store chain in Canada.

In the early 1980s, the chain Shoppers Drug Mart operated some stores in the US. The four stores in the Seattle area were located in the northern and eastern suburbs. The company acquired at least two locations of the local Olson’s Drug Stores, around 1981. Ultimately, they operated four stores through the middle of the decade, when the company left Seattle. Three of the stores were acquired by local company Bartells by 1985, and are still operate today.

The company used their familiar mortar and pestle logo for the stores, though the tag line in the phone book was different from the one used in Canada. During that time, the company used ‘You’re gonna be happy’ north of the border, but Seattle area shoppers were enticed with ‘Near enough to save you money’, which seems like an absolutely terrible line.
Sadly, with only four stores, I’m sure their TV commercials featuring Bea Arthur weren’t aired on Seattle stations, though some live on through You Tube!

The location of the stores can be seen on the map below:


View Shoppers Drug Mart USA locations in a larger map