Longs Drugs Stores opened its 52nd Hawaii location in Hauula on Sunday.
The 26,500-square-foot store at Hauula Kai Shopping Center has 50 full- and part-time workers, said Mike DeAngelis, a spokesman for Longs’ parent company, CVS Caremark Corp.
The Rhode Island-based company also is opening a downtown Honolulu location July 21 and relocating another outlet July 15 in Pahala on Hawaii island. The company said it has other locations in the development pipeline, but would not give further details.
Hauula Kai Shopping Center on Kamehameha Highway is anchored by Tamura’s Market and owned by the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.
"Everyone is happy they are using an existing long-empty building, instead of strip-malling Laie," Hauula resident KC Connors said in an email. "This is wonderful for the community. The new Longs will revitalize Hauula. It brings local jobs, retail options and helps support the other local businesses in the shopping center."
The closest Longs stores are in Kaneohe and Haleiwa, which presented a good expansion opportunity.
Years ago the Hauula Kai Shopping Center had a store operated by Pay’n Save Drug, a chain that went through ownership and brand name changes that included Payless Drug and Rite Aid.
CVS has aggressively added new locations in a rivalry with the nation’s largest drugstore chain, Walgreen Co., which began opening stores in Hawaii in late 2007.
“We are committed to growing our presence on the islands and providing the people of Hawaii with high-quality pharmacy products and services, delivering the most personalized service and expertise,” DeAngelis said in an email.
Walgreen has openings scheduled for July 14 for two new stores on Oahu.
The Deerfield, Ill.-based drugstore chain opened 24-hour locations in Nuuanu on June 1 and in Ewa Beach on Sunday.
Another location, in Wailuku, Maui, will open as early as next spring. The company hasn’t specified when a planned store in Lihue will begin doing business.
Walgreen also is rebuilding its first location, on the corner of Keeaumoku Street and Kapiolani Boulevard, expected to reopen late next year. Walgreen will have 17 stores in Hawaii by month’s end.
