SHARON, Ohio — Discount Drug Mart’s 55% contribution to sales from the front end is unusual for the chain drug industry and is supported by such unconventional categories as video rentals and delis.

More than 40 of the retailer’s 73 stores have delis, and all new units get the department. Helping to lift deli sales are prepared sandwiches and salads (generally at the checkstand) for meals to go.

Shown here is the Discount Drug Mart’s newest store, in Sharon township west of Akron, Ohio, which the company said has performed strongly since its opening in October.

The northeast Ohio chain said it could debut another one or two stores this year and will probably relocate another.