PORT ALBERNI, B.C. — Medicine Shoppe Canada is opening a pharmacy inside a Quality Foods supermarket here.

The McKesson Canada drug store banner said longtime community pharmacist Larry Johannessen, who owns two other Medicine Shoppe locations, will operate the new location at the Quality Foods in Port Alberni, located on Vancouver Island.

TheMedicine Shoppe Canada pharmacy in the Port Alberni Quality Foods store features a patient-centric design.

“At Medicine Shoppe Canada, our pharmacist-owners provide personalized access to care every day. Larry Johannessen is a shining example of a pharmacist that views each transaction as an opportunity to educate and empower patients to improve their overall health,” Terry Stychin, president of Medicine Shoppe Canada, said in a statement. “We are very fortunate to be able to partner with award-winning owners and operators such as Larry and the team at Quality Foods as we launch our new store design.”

Medicine Shoppe Canada and Quality Foods said the new, state-of-the-art pharmacy — featuring a patient-centric care model — will provide a better retail pharmacy experience for customers.

“We’re thrilled to offer Alberni Valley residents the opportunity to take advantage of this unique arrangement between Quality Foods and The Medicine Shoppe,” stated Ken Schley, president of Quality Foods, which has 13 stores overall. “Larry Johannessen and his team are well-known and respected in the community, and we see it as one more way that our combined offerings will add to our customers’ shopping experience.”

The companies called their partnership a natural fit, since both focus on providing personalized care and customer service.

“As pharmacists, patient and customer care is at the heart of what we do, each and every day,” Johannessen commented. “I’m excited to partner with Quality Foods to welcome patients into our new facility as we expand access to patient care.”