Blairgowrie-based pharmacy chain Davidsons Chemists is set to take on new premises in Fife and Stirlingshire as it seeks to progress its ambitious expansion plans.
It plans to open new stores in Elie and Killin as it grows its network of stores to 31 by early next year.
News of the group’s latest expansion comes just weeks after the company elected to close its warehousing and distribution facility with the loss of 15 jobs.
Managing director Allan Gordon said the purchase of the existing McPherson pharmacy business on High Street, Elie, and the proposed opening of an entirely new presence on Myrtle Grove, Killin, are just the latest steps in the growth of Davidsons, which plans to take its estate to about 50 outlets over the course of the next decade.
He said customers in Elie would notice no difference in the service they receive after the deal, valued at “in excess of £500,000”.
“Initially, it will be a case of changing the name above the door,” Mr Gordon said of the June takeover. The five staff are remaining in place and there will be no change there.
“It’s a business that does well and, while there is certainly some room for improvement, we won’t be changing anything dramatically.”
His hope is the store will quickly begin to benefit from the economies of scale being part of the Davidsons chain can offer.
The company was also granted permission to open new premises in Killin last week, following a hearing held by NHS Forth Valley.
Mr Gordon said he was “delighted” the proposal had been allowed and looked forward to delivering a full range of services in the village by Loch Tay from early next year.
“We have a brand that we are trying to promote and to push forward,” he added.
“We are obviously looking for more opportunities like Killin and Elie, and we are trying to promote ourselves as a quality brand for all pharmaceutical needs.”
The company, which turned over about £35 million during the year to the end of December and holds warrants for the Queen and Prince Charles through its shop in Ballater, near Balmoral, said it expected to save around £250,000 per annum after closing a warehousing and distribution operation described as “not fit for purpose”.