Japan’s Family Mart Becomes First Convenience Store Chain To Sell OTC Drugs Around The Clock
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Amid more Japanese convenience store chains entering the drug retail business, Family Mart - which employs pharmacists - announced a plan to start selling OTC drugs around the clock in two Tokyo stores beginning in September, becoming the first convenience store chain to do so. The company also plans to expand the program to 300 stores in three years. Compared to current laws allowing only pharmacists to sell both Rx and OTC drugs, a new regulation to take effect April 2009 will enable a registered seller to sell second- and third-class OTC drugs. Since it is easier to recruit registered sellers, stores such as Seven Eleven all have strengthened their drug retail business. (Click here for more - Japanese language) "Family Mart Becomes First Convenience Store Chain Selling OTC Drugs Around The Clock" - FNN News(8/6/08)