Walgreens to open store downtown opposite rival

Walgreens is planning to open in downtown Hono­lulu across from rival drugstore chain Longs Drugs, according to a building permit filed with the City and County of Hono­lulu.

The project specifies a 18,462-square-foot store at 116 S. Hotel St. with interior renovations estimated at $850,000. Officials of Walgreens couldn’t be reached for comment Friday.

The Deerfield, Ill.-based drugstore chain, which typically hires about 30 workers at each of its locations, operates in Ewa Beach and Hono­­lulu, Kai­lua, Kane­ohe, Wahi­­awa and Wai­pahu. It also has stores in Hilo and Kahu­lui, Lahaina and Wai­luku on Maui. The retailer previously said it was looking to open in Lihue, but hasn’t said when that proj­ect will begin.

Meanwhile, Walmart is preparing to open a store on Fort Street Mall in the former Macy’s site this summer. The downtown Hono­lulu area will have two Longs, a Walmart and Walgreens competing for a share of the market within about 300 feet of one another.