A new drug store location in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood will mark Bartell Drugs’ 80th anniversary of operation there. The store, housed in a former Blockbuster location, will be one of the largest in the chain at 16,085 square feet and feature Bartell’s ‘Next Generation’ format. The concept was developed in 2011 and has continued with new store openings through this year. The format includes its ‘Urban Market,’ ‘Sweets and Snacks,’ and ‘Fresh Beauty’ sections as well as an enlarged full-service pharmacy and a ‘Greenwood Growler Station’ offering six regionally produced beers.
Founded in 1890, Bartells is the nation’s oldest family-owned drugstore chain. The new location is adjacent to the current Greenwood location and will mark the company’s 61st drugstore when it opens October 13th. A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for October 26th to commemorate Bartells’ 80th year in operation in the neighborhood.
Chain Store Guide’s 2013 Drug Industry Market Share Report shows that Bartell is the number three pharmacy operator in the Seattle core-based statistical area (CBSA) based on prescription market share percentage. It’s the rare case where a strong, regional retailer is competing effectively against one or all of the ‘big three’ players (CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid). In Seattle, Bartell holds is own against Walgreens and Rite Aid; since 2012, it has increased market share considerably. Based on Walgreens recent acquisition of Kerr Drug, Bartell might be a possible acquisition target for CVS, which was no presence in the state of Washington.
SEATTLE-TACOMA-BELLEVUE, WA CBSA
| Company |
Area Pharmacies |
Current RX Market Share |
Previous RX Market Share |
| Walgreen Company: DEERFIELD, IL |
73 |
23.8% |
24.80% |
| Rite Aid Corporation: CAMP HILL, PA |
73 |
15.8% |
16.10% |
| The Bartell Drug Company: SEATTLE, WA |
60 |
13.2% |
11.80% |
| Safeway Inc.: PLEASANTON, CA |
71 |
12.1% |
11.80% |
| Fred Meyer Inc.: PORTLAND, OR |
36 |
9.2% |
8.10% |
| The Kroger Co.: CINCINNATI, OH |
26 |
6.0% |
6.20% |
| Walmart Stores Inc.: BENTONVILLE, AR |
15 |
3.7% |
3.40% |
| Albertson’s LLC: BOISE, ID |
24 |
3.3% |
3.40% |
| Target Corporation: MINNEAPOLIS, MN |
21 |
2.6% |
2.10% |
| Costco Wholesale Corp.: ISSAQUAH, WA |
15 |
2.4% |
2.50% |
| Haggen Inc.: BELLINGHAM, WA |
15 |
2.3% |
2.40% |
| Maxor National Pharmacy Services Corp.: AMARILLO, TX |
6 |
0.7% |
0.70% |
| Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy Inc.: BOULDER, CO |
4 |
0.6% |
0.50% |
| Lexar Inc.: SEATTLE, WA |
3 |
0.5% |
0.50% |
| Sam’s Club: BENTONVILLE, AR |
3 |
0.5% |
0.50% |
| Other operations |
24 |
3.3% |
3.80% |
*Source: 2013 Chain Store Guide Drug Industry Market Share Report
