SEATTLE — Bartell Drugs plans to open its 61st store this week in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood.

The Puget Sound-area drug chain said late Tuesday that the 11,600-square-foot store will open on Friday. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 6, followed by two weeks of special events to mark the store’s grand opening.

The store’s merchandise mix includes expanded lineups of water enhancements and energy and nutrition bars; a wide selection of locally produced and organic products; Bartell’s Urban Market, Sweets and Snacks, and Beauty departments; and a full-service pharmacy, which will host free or discounted health screening services on Aug. 16.

With the new location, Bartell Drugs also will be unveiling South Lake Union Growlers (S.L.U.G.), a new offering that will enable customers to take out half-gallon glass "growler" jugs of fresh beer and ales from a selection of six rotating taps. The store will also boast "99 beers"-a selection of bottled beers in 99 different package configurations. These new beverage features compliment a selection of Northwest wines and premium liquors.

The South Lake Union store also will accommodate the pet-friendly policies of employers in the area, which include Internet retail giant Amazon, by providing water bowls and complimentary dog biscuits. Pet "hitching posts" are slated to be added a well. The store, too, will feature an expanded offering of pet-related products.

Located at 1001 Mercer Street, the South Lake Union store marks a return of Bartell Drugs to the neighborhood. In 1914, founder George H. Bartell Sr. established the company’s headquarters nearby on Boren Avenue. It served as the headquarters until 1985.

In other grand opening events, from Aug. 2 to 16, a number of vendors will participate in 90 hours of product sampling and demonstrations, highlighted by a 16-seat, peddle-powered Hydration Station roaming the neighborhood with beverage samples on Aug. 5, 7 and 8. Also, Bartell Drugs is sponsoring the "Cinema on the Lawn" on Aug. 9, one of
the featured attractions at the South Lake Union Block Party.