Chemist Warehouse is coming to Dunedin’s Meridian Mall.
While Chemist Warehouse has not responded to the Otago Daily Times’ several requests for comment, two well-placed sources have confirmed the discount pharmacy will open in the former H&J Smith and Arthur Barnett site on the bottom floor.
Until a month ago the space was home to the Southern District Health Board’s Covid-19 main Dunedin vaccination centre.
A business owner in the mall, whom the ODT has agreed not to name, confirmed the discount pharmacy was due to open in August.
While there was some angst from the existing two pharmacies in the mall, the business owner believed it could be a good thing for other stores.
"Having them right there as you walk in will be a big drawcard for the mall."
The Chemist Warehouse would not directly compete with "more upmarket" pharmacies, they said.
Another source said mall owner The Icon Group had been targeting Chemist Warehouse to move in since it bought the mall last year.
The SDHB wanted to renew its lease for the vaccination centre, but was told Chemist Warehouse was moving in, they said.
The Icon Group did not respond to requests for comment.
