RRHI ramps up drugstore business

Gokongwei-led Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) is aggressively expanding its drugstore chain—one of the retail formats deemed essential especially during this prolonged pandemic—that consists of multiple brands—Rose Pharmacy, Southstar Drug and The Generics Pharmacy (TGP).

The multiformat retailer recently opened its 870th drugstore (Rose Pharmacy) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. The number combines the stores under Southstar Drug.
RRHI also owns and operates TGP, which has more than 2,000 franchised stores nationwide.

This is part of RRHI’s aggressive expansion plan for its drugstore business across the Philippines, the company disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday.

“We are confident there is still room to grow in Philippine pharma-retail as a large portion of the market remains underserved. The newest Rose Pharmacy store in Plumera, Lapu-Lapu City, is a milestone that further solidifies our commitment to bring reliable pharmaceutical products closer to our customers, as well as our plan to further deepen our presence as a major drugstore player in the country,” said Christine Tueres, group general manager of RRHI’s drugstore segment.

RRHI acquired 100 percent of Rose Pharmacy in 2020 from Mulgrave Corp. B.V, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dairy Farm International Holdings, Ltd.

Responsive to market needs

Rose Pharmacy offers medicine and personal care, including in-house brands Rose Pharmacy Generics and the line of personal care products of Singapore-based Guardian Pharmacy.

“Since our acquisition of Rose Pharmacy in 2020, we have seen various possibilities in further shaping our drugstore portfolio to address current and relevant customer needs. Health is always important to everyone but even more so now that we are in a pandemic,” said Robina Gokongwei-Pe, RRHI president and chief executive officer.

RRHI’s foray into the drugstore business started in 2012 with the acquisition of Southstar Drug. In 2016, RRHI acquired TGP, the country’s largest franchised network of community drugstores, specializing in generic and affordable medicines.

Apart from their brick-and-mortar network, Southstar Drug and Rose Pharmacy operate their own e-commerce sites.

—Doris Dumlao-Abadilla INQ