No changes expected locally after sale of drug stores

Blytheville's Super D Drug Store is part of a multi-million dollar purchase of a chain of regional drugstores by the Walgreen Co., but company officials say the move will have little change on the local store.

Earlier this week, Walgreen closed on the purchase of chain stores that operate under the USA Drug, Super D Drug and Med-X names, including the Super D located at 900 N. Sixth St. in Blytheville.

The Deerfield, Ill., company closed the $438 million deal Monday afternoon. Company representative Jim Graham said Walgreen began market analysis earlier in the year to see which stores would be closed down. Graham said the decision to close stores is based on several factors, including size of the market and proximity to other Walgreens and USA Drug stores and affiliates.

"We expect to start closing stores by November," Graham said.

Graham said the Blytheville Super D location will not be one of the 27 Arkansas locations shutting down. The store will remain open and continue to operate under the same name.

Graham did not immediately respond to questions about whether the company would be looking to make any major changes at the Blytheville store, such as hiring new employees or offering new products or services.

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com