London Drugs offers shelf space to support restaurants impacted by COVID-19

After offering their shelf space to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 last April, London Drugs will now do the same for restaurants.

In select locations in BC and Alberta, London Drugs has transformed its centre aisles into Local Central, a dedicated space to help local businesses sell their products.

On Wednesday, the company announced that they are expanding their Local Central program to support restaurants in Western Canada that have been affected by pandemic-related public health measures.

Restaurants with specialty house brand items suitable for retail sales are invited to submit them to London Drugs for immediate consideration to be stocked and sold on store shelves. Items that will be considered include sauces, jams, rubs, apparel and more.

“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,” explained Clint Mahlman, President and COO of London Drugs, in a news release.

As an essential service, London Drugs locations are open and have the ability to help small businesses stay afloat amidst public health restrictions.

“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,” said Mahlman.

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London Drugs launched their Local Central program one year ago and has supported more than 100 local businesses in that time.

According to the news release, the program has helped small businesses earn hundreds of thousands of dollars when they might otherwise have had no revenue due to pandemic-related closures.

“The last year has pushed local businesses – including London Drugs – to become incredibly nimble,” said Mahlman. “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.”

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

The program is open to restaurants based in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. To submit products for review, restaurant owners can visit the online application.