The search is on for Canadian pharmacists

Target stores in Canada will have pharmacies, but the company will employ a franchise operating model as opposed to direct ownership as is the case in the United States.

The company said it plans to operate pharmacies in as many of its stores in Canada as possible and will begin its search for pharmacist franchise owners in March.

“Target believes healthcare is an important part of our Canadian store strategy, and we are committed to providing superior community-based healthcare,” said Tony Fisher, president Target Canada. “We have worked hard to understand the Canadian healthcare landscape and believe our unique pharmacy franchise model will greatly appeal to pharmacists while best serving the needs of patients in Canada.”

According to the company, the pharmacy franchise model will allow individual pharmacist owners to own and operate pharmacy businesses within Target’s Canadian stores and provide its Canadian customers with superior patient-centered healthcare. The company contends it has created a best-in-class pharmacy franchise model specifically for the Canadian marketplace that will meet patients’ healthcare needs while providing pharmacists with a unique opportunity to own and grow a pharmacy business with no entry fees and the support of a national retailer.

Given that Target will be opening its first stores in March/April 2013, the current Zellers prescription files will remain in the possession of Zellers. Target will begin its search for pharmacist franchise owners in March 2012, and those interested are encouraged to visit www.Target.ca/careers for more information.