SEATTLE — Bartell Drugs began a series of three store openings this year with the July 20 opening of its 55th store at Lake Serene in Lynnwood, Wash.

The 16,400-square-foot location will employ approximately 25 associates.

The new Lake Serene store replaces the Mukilteo Speedway location and provides customers with a larger, modernized store with more features and products. The new store includes a full-service pharmacy with drive-through services; many natural and organic health, beauty and cleaning products; nutritional supplements; a broad selection of convenience foods; and greeting cards.

The location will feature Bartell’s exclusive PixPlus photo department, offering digital print kiosks, a broader selection of camera and sound electronics, on-site one-hour photofinishing, and a passport photo center.

“This new store, and the one we will be opening near Mill Creek, underscores our commitment to serving the needs of the residents of Snohomish County,” states George Bartell, chairman and chief executive officer of the drug store chain.

In other news, Bartell Drugs has been recognized by the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) with two major awards for its leadership in recycling and prescription drug “take-back” programs.

Bartell has been active in providing free recycling opportunities for customers with in-store drop-off bins for used compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, batteries and cell phones. Through its EcoLight program, Bartell was the first drug store chain in the U.S. to offer CFL recycling.

“We’re proud to receive these awards,” comments George Bartell. “Offering free recycling opportunities for our customers is not only a service but a way to close the environmental loop in a safe way for many of the products we sell.”