Shoppers Drug Mart at a glance

Top 100

One of Canada's top 100 employers

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1,300+ locations

Over 18 million

PC OptimumTM members across Canada

Our history

Shoppers Drug Mart was founded in 1962 by Toronto pharmacist, Murray Koffler. He believed that it was possible to build a national organization of pharmacies without sacrificing the personalized service of the local community pharmacist.

With that in mind, he created the Associate Concept, which provides individual pharmacists with the opportunity to combine independent business ownership, professional practice and cooperative services under one brand, with the support of a corporate entity.

1962

Shoppers Drug Mart is born when Murray Koffler opens a 4,000 square-foot drug store at the Shoppers World plaza in Toronto. Life Brand® products were created, and the Company’s first private label products are introduced.

Vintage shoppers drug mart sign

1987

The Company opens the first two 24-hour, full-service drug stores in Ontario followed by the opening of the Company’s first in-store Canada Post outlet.

1991

The 500th store opens, and Shoppers Drug Mart sets a new standard of pharmacy care in Canada with the introduction of HealthWATCH®.

Inside of a Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy with person working in white coat.

2000

The Shoppers Optimum® program launches and gains six million members in just one year.

2 PC Optimum cards

2014

Loblaw Companies Limited acquires Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation for $12.4 billion in cash and stock, bringing together two iconic Canadian brands: delivering more choice, value and convenience to help Canadians Live Life Well®.