Hybrid food/drug format embraced by Phar-Mor

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- PharMor Inc.'s struggle to find a winning format has yielded a hybrid food! drug concept that stresses a wide selection of grocery items while staying true to the retailer's roots as a value-oriented drug chain with a strong focus on health care.

To usher in a merchandising strategy that calls for a 150% increase in grocery products, Phar-Mor has embarked on a multifaceted marketing campaign built around the theme "The Big Change." As it stands, 23 of the company's 106 units, which average about 60,000 square feet of selling space, have adopted the new Phar-Mor Food & Drug format. Another 10 outlets have been similarly remodeled but do not carry an …