Gray Drug

Gray Drug was a drugstore chain in Cleveland, Ohio. The chain began in 1912[1] and grew to 46 stores by 1946 and over 100 by the 1970s.[2][3] Besides Ohio, stores later opened in Florida and Maryland.[4] The chain later acquired Alexandria, Virginia-based Drug Fair in 1981, shortly before Sherwin-Williams bought the chain. Gray Drug acquired several Cunningham Drug stores in 1982.[1]

Logo for Gray Drug Stores, c. 1975

The company entered the discount department store business by acquiring the Cincinnati-based Rink's Department Store chain in 1964[5][6] and the Cleveland-based Bargain City chain in 1967[7] and merged Bargain City into Rink's. Sold the combined Rink's chain to Cook United in 1981.

Gray Drug was sold to Rite Aid in 1987.[8]

References

1. "Encyclopedia of Cleveland History:GRAY DRUG STORES, INC". Ech.case.edu. 1997-07-16. Retrieved 2012-05-13.
2. The Outlook - Standard and Poor's Corporation - Google Books. Books.google.com. Retrieved 2012-05-13.
3. Cleveland: The Making of a City - William Ganson Rose - Google Books. Books.google.com. Retrieved 2012-05-13.
4. International directory of company histories - Jay P. Pederson - Google Books. Books.google.com. Retrieved 2012-05-13.
5. "Rink Store Chain Bought By Gray Drug". Evening Independent, June 22, 1964, Page 2.
6. "Lining up for a bargain at Rink’s" Archived 2014-01-03 at the Wayback Machine. Lima News.
7. "Retailer opened Bargain City" Toledo Blade, July 8, 2004.
8. "Gray Drug Fair Sale - New York Times". Nytimes.com. 1987-05-02. Retrieved 2012-05-13.