Target to use pharmacy franchise model for its stores in Canada

MINNEAPOLIS — Target on Monday announced it will seek independent pharmacists to own and operate the pharmacies in its stores in Canada.

The chain said it will utilize a pharmacy franchise model for its stores north of the border, the first of which will open in March/April 2013. The strategy is different than in the United States, where Target operates its own in-store pharmacies.

"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,” Target Canada president Tony Fisher said.

Target said it created a best-in-class pharmacy franchise model specifically for the Canadian marketplace. In addition to meeting patients' healthcare needs, the 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.

Target said it will begin its search for pharmacist franchise owners in March 2012.

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