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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Company set to celebrate 100th anniversary of incorporation.
SEATTLE—A former bank location is being transformed into a dramatic new Bartell drugstore in the heart of downtown Seattle’s “financial district.” Located in the Union Bank of California Center building at 4th and Madison, the new store opens its doors to the public on July 13.
The store incorporates a number of visually dramatic elements that reflect the clientele and energy of the surrounding “neighborhood,” including the company’s first in-store espresso bar, plasma televisions displaying the latest news from financial markets, a vibrant color and texture scheme and a 24-foot vaulted ceiling lobby complimented by stunning etched glass signage. With a heavier emphasis on convenience foods and drinks, the store has been designed to cater to the downtown market and the needs of time-crunched office workers, downtown residents and guests at nearby hotels.
The new store was the former site of a Bank of California bank and at over 15,500 square feet, is the largest of Bartell’s downtown locations.
The opening of the new store coincides with the 100th anniversary of the company’s incorporation and the awarding of the Washington State Century Corporation Award.
Incorporated in 1904, Bartells is one of only five businesses still in existence from that year.
As recognition of its achievement, the company will receive the award from Secretary of State Sam Reed at a private opening evening gala for area civic and business leaders on July 12.
“It is fitting that the company is celebrating a century of incorporation as it opens a new store in the heart of the city’s banking and financial district”, said George D. Bartell, chairman and CEO of the family-owned drugstore chain. “We have always taken great pride in serving the region’s neighborhoods—and Seattle’s financial district is no different”.
He said the company has put a great deal of time in planning this store to address the needs of customers in that area.
The full-service store will also feature on-site, one hour photo finishing, a digital print center, camera and sound products, health and beauty products, nutritional supplements, greeting cards, cosmetics, household products, school and office supplies and more. The chain’s newest store will employ approximately 25 employee associates.
JR Abbott is the general contractor and GGLO Architects designed the store.
Family owned Bartell Drugs owns and operates stores in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. The 114 year-old company is the nation's oldest drugstore chain.
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