With those humble words, Mr. Louie sparked a new period of growth and improvement.  With the HY Louie Group at the helm, the new mantra for London Drugs was simple:  do it bigger and do it better. 

First was the task of expanding, both within BC and, for the first time, beyond the provincial border into Alberta.  The first Alberta store opened in Edmonton and was an instant success.  In the next ten years, London Drugs tripled its number of stores. 

Next was the task of increasing the types of products available in the store.  Small kitchen appliances were added to the shelves, as were consumer electronics.  A focused effort began to provide quality cosmetics for London Drugs' shoppers.  At the time, high-end cosmetics were sold exclusively in department stores.  The London Drugs cosmetics department consisted of four or five peg boards of cheap products. 

It was a hard sell to convince cosmetic companies to put their products in a drugstore.  But one by one, they agreed, and big names like Elizabeth Arden, Shiseido, and Lancôme were added.  What began in 1975 is now a full-scale revolution in the way cosmetics are sold.  Customers demand value as well as brand names, and London Drugs provides both.

Under the HY Louie Group, an infectious enthusiasm permeated London Drugs.  With enthusiasm came big ideas, and one of the biggest was right around the corner:  one-hour photofinishing. 

Continue to One-Hour Revolution