Target will allow individual pharmacy owners in its Canadian stores

Target will allow individual pharmacy owners in Canada to own pharmacies within the company’s stores, departing from its policy in the United States, the company said.

The Minneapolis, Minn.-based retailer, which plans to open stores in Canada starting in the spring of 2013, says the pharmacy franchise model is unique to Canada.

“We have worked hard to understand the Canadian healthcare landscape, and believe our unique pharmacy franchise model will greatly appeal to pharmacists while best serving the needs of patients in Canada,” Tony Fisher, president, Target Canada, said in a press release.

The pharmacy model provides pharmacists with “a unique opportunity to own and grow a pharmacy business, with no entry fees and the support of a national retailer,” according to a statement from the company.

Target plans to begin its search for pharmacist franchise owners next month. At that time, pharmacists can apply at www.Target.ca/careers.

Target is in the process of converting Zellers stores into Target locations.

“Given that Target will be opening its first stores in March/April 2013, the current Zellers’ prescription files will remain in the possession of Zellers,” according to a statement from the retailer.

Meanwhile, Walmart is aggressively expanding in Canada, with a 73 expansion or renovation projects planned this year. The retail giant already had 333 stores in the country.