RICHMOND, B.C. – One year after the launch of the Local Central program, London Drugs is expanding support to help local restauranteurs in Western Canada sell their house brand consumer packaged products at its retail locations. Any restaurants with specialty items suitable for retail sales – such as sauces, jams, rubs, apparel and more – are encouraged to submit them for immediate consideration to be stocked and sold on London Drugs shelves.

Clint Mahlman

“The collateral damage to small businesses created by the pandemic has been devastating and, the restaurant industry — particularly those small and locally-owned — have sustained one of the heaviest blows,” explains Clint Mahlman, president and COO of London Drugs. “As a company, we want to offer any support we can to restaurateurs and businesses in our communities right now, and we know our customers do too.”

London Drugs launched their Local Central program last April, offering shelf space to small businesses impacted by COVID to sell their products in stores. Since its launch almost one year ago to the day, the program has supported more than 100 local businesses helping them earn hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time when they might otherwise have had no revenues due to pandemic-related store closures.

“The last year has pushed local businesses – including London Drugs – to become incredibly nimble. One of the most public ways this has played out has been in the quick response of local restaurants and businesses to sudden closures and evolving distancing measures. With the Local Central program already in place, we are in a unique position to offer support quickly,” explains Mahlman.

He says that London Drugs is ready to review product submissions immediately, and local restaurants could see their packaged products and merchandise on store shelves within the week.