REGINA, Saskatchewan — London Drugs opened a novel store here late last month. The company’s 78th unit, the 36,720-square-foot store is London Drugs’ second outlet in Regina and introduces a new open concept area where consumers’ technology needs can be ­addressed.

The layout includes a 266-square-foot classroom-style learning lab where customers can consult with experts on products and services ranging from skin care to computers. The area will also be used for special health and wellness clinics.

A full-service Canada Post Office is also part of the new store.

“We are excited to open our second London Drugs after opening our first store more than 10 years ago,” president and chief executive officer Wynne Powell says.

“With this opening in Regina, we will be able to connect with more individuals and families living in the community, offering our friendly customer service, health care and high quality products that customers have come to expect from London Drugs,” he says.

Store personnel say they are excited about being the first London Drugs unit to feature the open technology center and learning lab.

“My staff and I look forward to welcoming Regina residents to this new beautiful London Drugs store,” store manager Cory Muir says. “At London Drugs we are here to cover [our shoppers’] personal home and health care needs whether it’s from ordering prescriptions to mailing a package or learning how to get the most from your digital camera to determining the best computer for their lifestyle in our learning lab.”

Since being founded with a single store in Vancouver in 1945, London Drugs has slowly moved eastward with stores in more than 35 major markets throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The privately held company also operates an online store.

As it has continued to expand London Drugs has built a reputation as an innovator and has altered Canadian consumers’ idea of what a drug store is.

The company offers consumers a wider range of products than almost any other chain drug retailer in North America. While pharmacy and standard drug store items like beauty products and over-the-country medications continue to be at the heart of the chain’s operation, it also has established itself as a major seller of electronics, computers, televisions, home and kitchen appliances and a wide range of lifestyle products.