Regional Rx Report

SOMERSET, N.J. Drug Fair Group following the late 2005 acquisition by Sun Capital Partners, has been hard at work developing a new store prototype.—Retail veteran Timothy LaBeau, who was brought in to reposition the

Unveiled in June at a store in Milburn, N.J., the plan is to transform 15 stores a year to the new format.

The 16,000-square-foot prototype has a better shopping layout with lower profile shelving, a more prominent beauty department, a convenience food section, a new graphics package, an inviting pharmacy waiting area with a television and couch, and expanded SKUs.

“It is really a prototype designed with the consumer in mind,” said LaBeau, who, prior to joining Drug Fair, served as a top merchant at Duane Reade where he was instrumental in establishing several front-end initiatives.

After the first of the year, it is likely that the Milburn location also will become the home of an in-store health clinic. As of press time, the company was in talks with several clinic operators.

The company operates 53 stores under the Drug Fair and Cost Cutters banners in northern and central New Jersey.