Happy Harry's is sold to Walgreen

[LynneSin]

YIKES!! That's like a major Delaware tradition but so far Walgreen says they won't be changing any of the names, at least the stores here in Delware

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060606/NEWS/606060350/1006

Drug giant Walgreen buys Happy Harry's
Keeping name part of 'transparent' change



By ERIC RUTH
The News Journal

06/06/2006

The worldwide march of corporate consolidation will reach one of Delaware's most recognizable homegrown businesses this summer as Ogletown-based Happy Harry's drugstores merges with national powerhouse Walgreen Co.

The deal announced Monday is being hailed as a "transparent" change not likely to be noticed by Happy Harry's legions of local customers, but still revived the concerns that surface each time Delaware's cultural and commercial identity is reshaped by modern pressures. In years past, Delaware has seen the loss of such institutions as Wilmington Dry Goods, watched as local businesses gave way to national names, and most recently saw local banking giant MBNA bought out by Bank of America.

The leader of the privately held, family-run Happy Harry's said Delaware shouldn't expect the end of an era with the merger. "I actually see it as a beginning in a lot of ways," said Alan B. Levin, chairman and CEO. The Happy Harry's name will remain at all but the company's Pennsylvania stores, and the broad reach and corporate leverage of Walgreen might bring consumers such services as 24-hour locations.

[cyberpj]

1. Saw that just now in this morning's paper.

Uh-oh. They always tell you nothing will change but then things always change.

So THIS is why there have been so many LARGE HH stores being built over the last 2 years. It made them much more attractive to a corporate takeover. Alan Levin is going to retire a VERY RICH MAN. This particular deal has been in the works for the last year.....

And the monopolization of US Industries continues.

[jberryhill]

2. I can't remember the lyrics...

to the radio jingle from, like, ages ago:

"If you really have to have it,
have to have it in a hurry,
(blah, blah, something "worry"),
Happy Harry's has it."

[KeyLimeDem]

3. Walgreen, CVS, Eckards, HH

When I lived in Meadowood on Kirkwood Hwy, we had a Caldwells Pharmacy. Its gone, and the "new" Happy Harry's is being built in the same shopping center. We have Walgreens and CVS down here in the Keys. CVS bought Eckards, did I spell that right? Whats interesting is that when they build a new store the other company builds a new one right across the street. I don't get it, seem like a strange way to do business.