Location

Many considerations go into locating and developing a business. This includes the development of many various types of stores in a community. It seems that there are a surplus of grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores- practically one on every corner. So if an interested developer wants to open one, many factors must be considered. I looked at and analyzed the new Walgreens Pharmacy located in Burlington. It was just constructed and has recently opened its doors for business. Categorically, Walgreens is in the central business district, an inner city/main street business. The advantages can be many. These include the store’s location and convenience. Many residents live in the area of this Walgreens. Residents are supportive of a drug store that is close to their residence. When an individual is sick or is in need of a quick refill of a prescription, it is important that the pharmacy be close at hand. If necessary, being within walking distance might be of significant importance if the customer is unable to drive. The pedestrian traffic of this Walgreens is significantly high. There is a mall in close proximity (directly across the street) which draws and accommodates the customers and shoppers. If a customer can obtain many things they need without having to travel distances to get them, they are likely to shop and use this store. Basically, this Walgreens is located in a very populated and high traffic area. As stated from our power point, “It does minimize the customer’s effort to get the product/service by locating it close to where customers are located.” There is a popular grocery store (Harris Teeter) also located on the opposite corner along with A Cleaner World, a hair salon, two restaurants and the ever popular TJMaxx. There is a video store, Pier One and a service station. These encompass the variety of needs that a shopper might need in the availability of a very confined area. At this location, Walgreens will be able to give other pharmacies competition. Within an approximate mile radius, there is a CVS pharmacy, two Rite Aides, Wal Mart pharmacy, and a pharmacy within Harris Teeter. Shoppers can do great comparative price shopping and not have to go a great distance. I also saw disadvantages with this Walgreens store location. One major disadvantage that I saw was the traffic and parking situation. The area is very heavily traveled and congested, especially on Fridays. South Church Street and Huffman Mill Road are the two main thoroughfares and traffic is extremely hectic. With the pharmacy on the corner, and it providing a drive through window, makes it difficult to get in and out easily. Parking is extremely limited. The parking lot joins into the next lot where there is a pizza pick-up and other various strip mall stores that really have no directional arrows. The drivers must be on the alert of oncoming traffic and pedestrians as well. With so many things happening at once, I feel that it is very distracting in this congested area and hard for drivers to possibly stay focused on what they are doing. I also see a disadvantage of poor security because of the cramped location. A shoplifter could easily get away because of the tight and close quarters of the store. Stores are going to have advantages and disadvantages due to their location. But when thinking and planning on locating a business, the individual must have the advantages outweigh those of the disadvantages. To think of the customers accessibility first and the ease of the shopping experience are must considerations when planning a business and its location. I don’t think that this is a good location for this Walgreens as far as pedestrian safety goes. But for the business part, if they have competitive prices attractive for the shopper during these economic times, Walgreens might be successful. Reply Forward
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