Arbor Drugs was a chain of drug stores based in Troy, Michigan. At its height, it was the 8th largest regional drug store in the United States.
Arbor Drugs was known for its financial success, steady expansion, and pharmacy services. When many of its competitors attempted to diversify during the 1970s and '80s, Arbor focused on filling prescriptions.
History
In 1963, Eugene Applebaum opened Civic Drugs on Michigan Avenue and Greenfield Road in Dearborn, Michigan. He continued to acquire five more drug stores during the 1970s. Arbor Drugs was founded in 1974, when Applebaum and Bruno Manni, who founded and established 11 brick and mortar Sentry Drug stores, incorporated these stores under the name, which was picked for Ann Arbor, Michigan.[1][2] In 1979, the chain became one of the first to offer computerized prescriptions, and the chain's records were linked by 1989.[3]
In 1981, Arbor acquired 11 former Cunningham Drug locations, giving the chain 30 stores. Applebaum attempted to expand geographically by opening three stores in the Carolinas, but they soon closed. 1986 it went public opening on