TORONTO — David Bloom, a former chairman and chief executive officer of Shoppers Drug Mart, died on Sept. 25 at age 76.

David Bloom

Funeral services for Bloom, who served as Shoppers Drug Mart’s CEO for 18 years, are being held today at Benjamin’s Park Memorial Chapel in Toronto.

Bloom started at Shoppers Drug Mart in 1967 as a pharmacist at the Canadian drug chain’s store in the Yorkdale Shopping Centre. He became an associate-owner a year later.

In 1971, Bloom joined the retailer’s management team as director of operations. He held roles of increasing responsibility before being appointed president and CEO in 1983. Bloom added the chairman’s title in 1986 upon the retirement of Shoppers Drug Mart founder Murray Koffler and served as chairman and CEO until his own retirement in 2001.

During his tenure as chief executive, Bloom doubled the chain’s store count, quadrupled its sales and generated a tenfold increase in earnings, according to Shoppers Drug Mart. In 2000, he launched the Shoppers Optimum Program, which has become one of Canada’s most popular customer loyalty programs, with more than 10 million members.

“David was a tenacious and energetic leader who helped transform Shoppers Drug Mart into Canada’s only national drug store chain,” Shoppers Drug Mart president Mike Motz stated in a company memo on Bloom’s passing. “David’s greatest contribution, however, was the many lives he touched and the many careers he helped shape through the coaching and mentoring he provided. His legacy will have a lasting impact on our business. Our heartfelt condolences go out to David’s family and loved ones.”

Memorial donations can be made to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation (416-946-6560).