The pharmaceutical war in Hawaii is heating up, which will consumers choose? The newest really big box giant Walgreens, or Longs Drugs that have been in the Hawaiian Islands since 1954.
To give you an idea of the two very different sized corporations, Walgreens has 5,700 stores on the US mainland and Puerto Rico, while Longs has about 500 stores in 6 states with Hawaii included.
Walgreens is planning on opening 4 new stores on Oahu by early next year. Longs currently has 35 stores located on all of the main islands.
The Walgreens business model will copy Longs Hawaii in the sense that they will also offer some local merchandise from local Hawaii vendors. For example at Longs you can find Hawaiian snacks, some fresh vegetables and baked goods, Hawaiian souvenirs, and kona coffee.
So who will win? Only time will tell. Walgreens will bring lower prices to island shoppers along with their drive-through pharmacy service. On the other hand, Longs has a loyal following and is an established and well respected brand.
Read more details and see planned locations for the 4 Walgreens Stores on Oahu. Walgreens stores on Oahu.
I love Long’s Drugs. When we are on Maui (and before the ban on carrying liquids on the plane home) we used to always stock up on Tedeschi Winery wines and champagnes at Long’s because the prices were best there! And they have everything you want - I also always buy a new pair of flip-flops at Long’s when I arrive!
Posted by: Mauigirl | June 28, 2007 at 05:29 AM
My friend used to work at Long's and he told me the mark up on goods was surprisingly low!
Posted by: HawaiiVacationGifts | July 21, 2007 at 07:21 AM