Pharmacy a key element in American Stores' strategy. (American Stores Co.)(RX: Mass Market Retail Pharmacy)

SALT LAKE CITY - Time and convenience are two factors that customers are most concerned about when they enter one of American Stores Co.'s drug stores, food/drug combination outlets or supermarkets, accord/rig to president and chief operating officer Dave Maher.

As the chain concentrates on those two elements it relies heavily on the appeal of pharmacy and the expertise of its pharmacists.

One strategy that American Drug Stores is using to make its outlets more convenient is concentrating on its pharmacy benefits management business. The unit has assembled an extensive network of pharmacies to win third-party contracts. ;

Convenience also depends on access, and the company's Sav-on Drugs and Osco Drug units have found success in that regard by providing customers with drive-through windows for pharmacy service and 24-hour operations.

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