Medicine Shoppe plans to expand into Middle East

ST. LOUIS Medicine Shoppe International is moving into its seventh country this month. The company is planning on opening five pharmacies in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The move to the Middle East was made possible by a new agreement with the Al Zahrawi Group, which will manage all the operations, including future growth in the region.

"The Medicine Shoppe brand and retail pharmacy model have been very successful in India and other Asian markets, so the Middle East market is a natural next step for expansion," said Bruce Burnett, international vice president, for Medicine Shoppe International.

The first two stores will open this month, followed by the other three later this year. Medicine Shoppe pharmacies are also located in the United States, China, Canada, India, Indonesia, and Japan.