AUSTINTOWN, BOARDMAN Drugstore to open in Phar-Mor sites

Marc's plans to open two area stores next year.
By DON SHILLING
VINDICATOR BUSINESS EDITOR
YOUNGSTOWN -- Marc's, a drugstore chain known for its closeout departments, intends to open stores in Phar-Mor locations in Austintown and Boardman.
The stores should open in the first three months of next year, said a company spokeswoman, who would not give her name.
She declined to provide any more information, saying the privately held company doesn't like to disclose information on its business plans.
Marc's is based in Parma and operates 54 stores, mostly in the Cleveland, Akron and Canton areas.
It does have seven stores in New England. Its only store in this area is in Salem.
The chain was started in 1979 by Marc Glassman, who opened a large drugstore in Middleburg Heights in suburban Cleveland. The store was designed to cater to cost-conscious consumers.
Marc's stores carry name-brand merchandise in the food, health and beauty and general merchandise categories. Marc's doesn't accept credit cards.
Low prices
The company's Web site says it doesn't run sales, instead relying on consistent low pricing.
Marc's stores are known for their closeout departments. These sections carry a variety of items that the chain's buyers can find at discounts, including automotive products, toys, gifts and pet supplies.
The stores also have pharmacies and cosmetic departments.
Phar-Mor closed its stores in July when the company ran out of money.
It had operated in bankruptcy court for nine months.
Phar-Mor still has about 20 workers who are working in its corporate headquarters in downtown Youngstown, wrapping up the company's final business.
Phar-Mor once had about 1,500 people working downtown, but had about 200 in the headquarters when the stores closed.