New Rite Aid is open

Margo Frink 03/12/09

Lenox Supervisor Rocco DiVeronica, Canastota Trustee Ann Marie Rossi and Ed Brophy, director of the International Boxing Hall of Fame joined Rite Aid Regional Vice President Derek Griffith at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Rite Aid store featuring the company’s “Customer World” design this morning. The new store, located at 417 S. Peterboro Street, opened its doors for the first time to customers at 8 a.m. today. The store incorporates features of the company’s “Customer World” design, which was created using customer feedback.

“We’re very excited to open our first Customer World store design in the Canastota community,” Griffith said. “Canastota residents can now see and experience the new design and services that many customers have been raving about since we opened our first Customer World store about four years ago. Customers told us that their relationship with the pharmacist was important, so each new store highlights the pharmacy. Pharmacy is our core business so we made it the focal point, or star, of the Customer World design.”

The store design, created using feedback from customer focus groups, is Rite Aid’s latest prototype design, offering a new look and many new services.

Before designing the new Customer World store, Rite Aid executives met with focus groups across the country to find out what they wanted in a drugstore and pharmacy. Customer feedback was implemented into the new design including expanding merchandise selections, improving store navigation and improving on the professional feel at the pharmacy.

The pharmacy department is easily seen and accessible from the entrance, emphasizing Rite Aid’s commitment to patient health and wellness. The Customer World pharmacy waiting area is designed with a lowered ceiling, comfortable chairs, a TV, and connects to a pharmacy consultation room, providing a private and professional setting for patient counseling by the pharmacist.

“Reaction to the new store design has been overwhelmingly positive from customers and associates alike,” Griffith said. “Aisles are wide and clutter free, and the design makes it easy for customers to find what they’re shopping for. The store environment shows that we also care about our associates’ ability to efficiently get their work done.”

The Canastota store is more than 14,000 square feet with wide aisles and an open environment with direct views to each department. More visible department signs make it easier for shoppers to locate merchandise. A new centrally located cosmetics department puts cosmetics and body care at center stage, appealing to Rite Aid’s core female customer.

The new store will also feature a GNC vitamin department with specialty products, a new Picture Center complete with the latest digital capabilities, drive-through pharmacy services and a larger pharmacy waiting area with important information on health and wellness.

CATEGORY: General Society
TAGS: Rite Aid,Rocco DiVeronica,Ed.Brophy,Derek Griffith
EDITION: Canastota Bee-Journal