The local drug store has always been a convenient place to pick up some lip balm, your prescriptions, and maybe a little snack. Well not anymore, since Shoppers Drug Mart is slowly but successfully conquering the high end cosmetics industry! With the renovation of many Shoppers Drug Mart locations, select stores were transformed to include high end makeup lines, and full beauty boutique sections. Already existing are 65 in-store beauty boutiques, and news of 50 more beauty boutiques being added inside Shoppers locations has been confirmed for 2006.

Shoppers kicked off by carrying brands such as Elizabeth Arden, Lancôme, Biotherm, Lise Watier, Guerlain, Clairns, and Smashbox. Recently they have announced that they will be adding names such as Benefit, and L’Occitane.

This concept has been extremely rewarding for Shoppers Drug Mart as their cosmetic sales continue to soar, while the department stores numbers continue to decline. According to Tendrex, drug stores now hold 21.7 percent of retail sales for beauty care, with department stores still on top with 61.2 percent. But this is an increase from 2004 where drug stores held 20.5 percent sales.

“Shoppers has made a commitment to the market: They have brought in salespeople who are knowledgeable about the products and have increased the number of stores selling prestige” notes Randy Harris, president of Trendex. Above selling these amazing products, Shoppers often holds makeover days, where customers can try out cosmetics and experience free makeovers by professionals.

My local Shoppers Drug Mart was recently renovated, and includes a Beauty Boutique. I was really impressed when I noticed the helpful staff, as well as the frequent sales. The selection of brand name cosmetics isn’t as vast as the South Common location (about 15 minutes from me), but there is still a lot to choose from. I have purchased some Vichy products, as well as the Shoppers private label Quo cosmetics.

This concept works as Shoppers Drug Mart is a great location which serves many of our daily needs. By incorporating these high end cosmetics in a store that is close to home, and not to far out of our way (such as department stores), Shoppers is sure to see continued success in this market. Their optimum points system also offers consumers many added rewards for purchasing these products and their daily essentials in their stores.

SC.TO was recommended on August 7, 2003 at $26.16 and is now at $42.00 (January 20, 2006)