- Business
- Longs Drug Stores Corp. (LDG), founded in 1938 and headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, operates as a regional drugstore chain primarily under the CVS Health umbrella, offering prescription pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter drugs, health and beauty aids, cosmetics, personal care products, grocery items, convenience foods, beverages, photo processing services, household goods, tobacco products, magazines, sporting goods, and greeting cards through approximately 70 stores concentrated in Hawaii. The company maintains a full-service pharmacy model with 7-day operations, specialty pharmacy services, home health care supplies, and local sourcing initiatives to support Hawaii's high-cost market, while targeting individual consumers, families, and public health needs in its core wellness and convenience segments. Geographically focused on Hawaii following mainland divestitures, Longs emphasizes community health programs, drive-through pharmacies, and patient service centers amid ongoing competition from chains like Walgreens.
Acquired by CVS Caremark in 2008 for $2.9 billion, Longs Drug Stores integrated its 521 stores across California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Arizona into CVS operations, retaining the Longs brand exclusively in Hawaii due to strong local recognition while monetizing real estate assets valued over $1 billion. Recent developments include the 2025 opening of a specialty pharmacy upgrade serving Honolulu and statewide needs, a new refill center in the airport industrial area for streamlined patient services, and the Kapolei Huamaca store launch, alongside strategic local vendor partnerships to manage costs. Operationally, the company closed underperforming locations such as the Ward Village Kakaako store in June 2025 and others in 2022 and 2024, reflecting market adaptations in Hawaii's evolving retail landscape.