Duane Reade Inc. has extended operating hours in 55 of its 256 drug stores in the metropolitan New York area.

Part of the chain's multipronged strategy to improve its shopping experience for New Yorkers, the changes in store hours will increase the number of stores open seven days a week to 248 locations and the number of stores open 24 hours to 70 locations, according to the company.

NEW YORK — Duane Reade Inc. has extended operating hours in 55 of its 256 drug stores in the metropolitan New York area.

The chain said Tuesday that the changes in store hours will increase the number of stores open seven days a week to 248 locations and the number of stores open 24 hours to 70 locations.

Among the stores open 24×7 is the newest location at 1350 Broadway in Manhattan’s Herald Square, scheduled to open later this month, according to Duane Reade. Other newly renovated stores open 24 hours are at 34th and 5th Avenue across from the Empire State building, 34th Street and 3rd Avenue, 34th Street and 8th Avenue across from Madison Square Garden, 75th and Columbus, and at Avenue U and Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn.

"As part of Duane Reade’s commitment to create a more convenient, efficient, enjoyable and rewarding shopping experience for New Yorkers, we are delighted to extend the hours of more and more of our stores," Chuck Newsom, Duane Reade’s senior vice president of store operations, said in a statement. "As the only uniquely New York drug store chain, we know firsthand that this city never sleeps, so neither will we. We also know how important it is to be there for our customers when they need us."

Duane Reade’s strategy to transform its store experience began late last year after extensive customer research, the company said. The effort includes a localized product selection tailored to New Yorkers’ unique needs and the recently launched DR Delish exclusive brand of food and beverages. The chain also has updated the look and feel of many of its stores, made major improvements in customer service and its pharmacy operations, and launched major advertising campaigns to boost its brand.