Japanese Firms To Set Up 30 Stores A Year To Sell OTC Drugs

Two Japanese companies plan to take advantage of deregulation effective in June to allow over-the-counter drug sales in stores not considered pharmacies. Seven & I Holdings and Ain Pharmacist are joining to establish a national drugstore chain expected to grow at the rate of 30 stores a year. Some of the operations are to be established inside supermarkets, but some will be stand-alone outlets in suburban areas. New regulations will still require certified sales clerks to sell OTC drugs. (Click here for more - a subscription may be required