WWW.LONGS.COM LONGS DRUGS ( CVS HAWAII ) SERVING THE COMMUNITY BEYOND HEALTHCARE
LONGS DRUGS (CVS HAWAII) AT A GLANCE LONGS DRUGS (CVS) WHAT: A community-centered pharmacy that excels in overcoming healthcare challenges, and provides an omnichannel experience, integrating in-store and online services to enhance customer convenience. WHERE: H awaii, USA WEBSITE: www.longs.com SERVING THE C BEYOND HEALT 1 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08
COMMUNITY THCARE THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY INHERENTLY COMES WITH UNIQUE CHALLENGES. An effective healthcare organization can overcome these challenges while shielding the community from the impact of these challenges. Among these hurdles, supply chain management and implementing meaningful social initiatives are trickier to navigate than others. COMMUNITY-CENTERED INITIATIVES AND PARTNERSHIPS ENSURE PEAK PERFORMANCE FOR PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES IN HAWAII. 2 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08
For a healthcare organization based in Hawaii, maintaining an industry-leading position and welcoming dynamic growth is all in a day’s work and is exactly what is prescribed. Originally founded in 1938, Longs Drugs has been operating under the ownership of CVS Pharmacy since 2008; it is effectively the company’s Hawaii division. What’s truly remarkable about Longs Drugs is its capacity to plan and problem-solve as an organization in a way that not only moves its operation forward but secures its island communities as a whole. The pharmacy provides an omnichannel experience, ensuring seamless in-store and online services. By embracing technology, the pharmacy offers a more personalized and efficient customer experience, catering to the diverse needs of Hawaii’s population. Longs Drugs has a long track record of building strong relationships with local organizations, schools, and non-profits, solidifying its role as a community partner. These high-level strategies are supplemented with operational strategies that foster a positive work environment. Initiatives like training and career development opportunities are often used to enhance job satisfaction and retention. The pharmacy is also known for organizing programs that support local talent, such as internships and partnerships with educational institutions, aiming to create a skilled workforce dedicated to the company’s mission. Longs Drugs impact in Hawaii is evident through its strong community presence, loyal customer base, and empowered employees. It is a trusted healthcare provider, an employer of choice, and a key player in local economic development. ADAPTING TO COMMUNITY NEEDS Longs Drugs holds a position within its community that many pharmacies simply can’t recreate. 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08 LONGS DRUGS (CVS HAWAII)
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As an organization, it is dedicated to serving the community by providing great healthcare and actively engaging the community areas that need the most support. An example of what that looks like is support for local nonprofit organizations and events. “Over the years, we’ve supported various causes like the March of Dimes, their local autism chapter, and the American Heart Association, and then more locally, the island of Maui,” says Lead Director for Marketing and Merchandising Jon Higa. Longs Drugs takes great pride in being local and its ability to recognize the collective need for support. Longs has been heavily involved in numerous 7 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08 LONGS DRUGS (CVS HAWAII)
Employees volunteered their time and effort to support this cause. Additionally, financial resources were provided to colleagues affected by the fires through the pharmacy’s employee assistance programs. The organization’s response to the wildfires highlights shows how closely aligned with the community’s initiatives to support the rebuilding of Lahaina and the Maui community in the wake of the 2023 wildfires. Longs organized a donation drive at its Kealani location in Maui, running it for three weeks and providing approximately 8,000 care packages to affected families. 8 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08
Hawai‘i residents struggling with hunger Compared to before the pandemic, the number of has increased by more than 50%. But at Hawai‘i Foodbank, we remain undaunted in our mission to provide safe, equitable food access to everyone who needs it. Your support enables us to nourish our ‘ohana today while we work to end hunger tomorrow. Learn how you can help at HAWAIIFOODBANK.ORG.
Consistent access to safe and healthy food is a fundamental human right, and we have been working to make this vision a reality for four decades now. Last year, we distributed food for over 16.2 million meals and are currently serving an average of nearly 160,000 people each month. We know that food doesn’t just provide nourishment; food is a way for people to connect. It’s comfort, celebration and spending time with loved ones. This holds especially true in Hawai‘i — where food connects us to family, celebrates our cultures and is essential to thriving communities. At the same time, we know that hunger knows no bounds. It does not discriminate based on occupation, background, race, religion or any other demographic factor. Accordingly, Hawai‘i Foodbank’s pledge to the community includes embracing every member of our ‘ohana by utilizing food to build connections between people, communities and families alike. We are committed to helping individuals stand up for their own dignity by providing equal access to healthy food — which, ultimately, can sustain hope for a better tomorrow. THERE IS NO SHAME IN RECEIVING FOOD BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES A SEAT AT THE TABLE. AT HAWAI‘I FOODBANK, OUR MISSION IS TO NOURISH OUR ‘OHANA.
needs Longs Drugs is, as it quickly recognized one of the community’s biggest problems: accessibility. In response to economic struggles and hardships, Longs is making accessibility a major priority. “We’ve invested heavily in the state of Hawaii.There is the Lahaina community, where we’ve invested $17.5 million into a Lahaina housing development to bring families back together in the community, and we’ve also invested $17.3 million to the Kapolei Parkway development,” says Regional Director Scott Sutton. These investments are meant to provide relief for the Lahaina fire victims, and sustainable housing 11 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08 LONGS DRUGS (CVS HAWAII)
These contributions have undoubtedly made a significant impact on the residents of Maui and beyond. DEVELOPING PROCESSES AND PARTNERSHIPS Longs Drugs Hawaii continues to innovate and expand. Last year, the pharmacy opened a new that addresses the severe gaps in healthcare and community access. Beyond local efforts, Longs Drugs also hosted a nationwide PIN pad event through CVS Health, donating $2 million to various foundations in the local community. 12 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08
1555 Kalani Street, Honolulu, HI 96817 lioncoffee.com Toll free 1-800 338-8353 help@hawaiicoffeecompany.com One of America’s oldest major coffee companies
LION COFFEE: BRINGING THE ALOHA SPIRIT TO THE MAINLAND Lion Coffee, one of America’s oldest coffee brands, roared to life in 1864 and has long been a beloved staple in Hawaii. Available at Long’s Drugs Hawaii and most grocery retailers across the Hawaiian Islands, Lion Coffee is deeply ingrained in the local culture, renowned for its exceptional quality and unique, island-inspired flavors. With its strong community roots and unwavering commitment to excellence, Lion Coffee is now rapidly expanding to the mainland, ready to share the Aloha spirit with coffee lovers everywhere. Since 2014, Lion Coffee has won First Place in the People’s Choice Award by the Honolulu StarAdvertiser as Hawaii’s Best, and since 2021, it has also been awarded Best of Hawaii by KITV4. These accolades underscore the brand’s reputation as the #1 local coffee brand, delivering high-quality, flavorful coffee that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. From the light and aromatic Lion Gold Roast to the full-bodied Lion Classic, there is a blend for every coffee enthusiast. The company’s island-inspired flavored coffees, such as Vanilla Macadamia Nut, Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Toasted Coconut, Macadamia Nut, and Hazelnut, are especially popular, consistently earning five-star reviews.These flavors capture the essence of Hawaii, offering a unique and delightful coffee experience. In addition to its traditional offerings, Lion Coffee provides convenient single-serve options, including K-Cups, 1.75oz Single Pot Bags, Drip Coffee (Pour Over) Pouches, and their new Instant Coffee Packets. These convenient formats ensure that coffee lovers can enjoy their favorite Lion Coffee blends anytime, anywhere. Lion Coffee has also made a significant impact in the ready-to-drink market with its Lion Cold Brew Coffee.Available in 11-ounce cans, these beverages are perfect for on-the-go consumption and are available in select grocery and convenience stores across the Hawaiian Islands.Varieties include Lion Classic,Vanilla Macadamia,Toasted Coconut, and Mocha, offering a refreshing taste of the islands in a convenient format. As Lion Coffee expands to the mainland, it brings with it a legacy of excellence and a passion for sharing the unique flavors and Aloha spirit of Hawaii. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new enthusiast, there’s always a perfect cup waiting for you with Lion Coffee. For retail coffee buyers looking to add a proven, community-driven brand to their shelves, Lion Coffee represents an opportunity to offer customers a premium, island-inspired coffee experience that is both unique and deeply rooted in tradition. Join us in spreading the Aloha spirit across the mainland with Lion Coffee.
location in Kapolei and introduced customer service initiatives like “buy online, pick up in-store” to enhance convenience. Continuing with the theme of accessibility, the aim is to provide an omni-channel, expedited process that improves convenience and the customer experience. The other way that Longs is trying to expand is through digital activation. Through an initiative called Extra Care Plus, Longs provides the option to enroll in an extended program of extra care that provides home deliveries. Customers can shop online, and pick up at the store. They can get prescriptions delivered to their home and they even have special offers they can redeem every month to help them with their households or economic spending. Additionally, to improve customer experience, Longs has updated 12 locations based on customer feedback, creating a more welcoming atmosphere. Longs relationships with community leaders and business partners ensure we meet the needs of its customers efficiently. 15 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08 LONGS DRUGS (CVS HAWAII)
CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF INTEGRITY AND TRUST The world has changed since S&K Sales first began in 1934—but our commitment to delivering the best for our partners has always remained constant. As today’s leading expert in the Hawaii resale market, we still bring our same unwavering dedication to service, along with nearly a century of trusted end-to-end experience for your business. It’s why so many of the world’s top brands look to us to lead the way today—and tomorrow. Put your trust in us at sksaleshawaii.com S&K Sales Co. has been a cornerstone of the Hawaii retail market, consistently dedicated to excellence in distribution services. Founded in 1934, this family-owned business has evolved into a trusted partner for retailers across the islands, delivering a diverse range of products with unmatched reliability and efficiency. Their longevity reflects their adaptability, customer-centric approach, and deep understanding of local needs. Over the years, S&K Sales Co. has weathered many changes in the retail landscape, continuously improving their processes to ensure efficient and effective service. In addition to distribution, they provide comprehensive headquarter and retail services. The company’s commitment to community extends beyond business operations. In the wake of the recent Maui fires, S&K Sales Co. partnered with CVS to donate essential first aid and health care products, providing much-needed relief to affected communities. This collaboration highlights their dedication to the well-being of their neighbors, reinforcing their role as a vital and compassionate presence in Hawaii. As they mark this significant milestone, S&K Sales Co. remains dedicated to serving Hawaii’s retail market with the same reliability and excellence that have defined their legacy for the past 90 years.
Local leadership and category management teams help the organization stay connected with community needs, enabling it to respond quickly during emergencies like the Lahaina fires. Operating in Hawaii presents unique supply chain challenges, but Longs prioritizes supporting local distributors and business partners. Sourcing locally when possible, sustains the local economy and ensures rapid response during normal operations and emergencies. The most prominent distributors working with Longs would be Webco Advantage Hawaii, S & K Sales Company, and The Islander Group. However, it’s important to note that the pharmacy 17 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08 LONGS DRUGS (CVS HAWAII)
Founded in 1952, family run Hawaiian Sun Products, Inc. has transformed their name into an iconic beverage brand in Hawaii. Today, Hawaiian Sun is a household favorite enjoyed at home, the beach, school and with friends. Hawaiian Sun uses the best ingredients to make tropical beverages, candies, preserves and breakfast syrups to remind you of Hawaii. Enjoy a taste of Hawaii with popular items like Pass-O-Guava Nectar, Pineapple-Orange Juice Drink, Banana-Macadamia Pancake mix, Coconut Syrup, or Guava Jelly. Hawaiian Sun products can be found at select retailers across the USA, Canada, Japan and the Pacific islands.
maintains a strict balance between the use of local and mainland suppliers to maintain these high customer service levels. PREPARING THE COMMUNITY FOR THE FUTURE Another reason why Longs Drugs holds such an enduring position within the communities it serves is because it is committed to local workforce development. “We’re partnering with different communities along with the state to not only offer workplace experience but a career path for students that may not be seeking higher education outside of a diploma,” says CVS East Honolulu District Leader Fran Nakoa. By partnering with Job Corps,high schools,and military transition programs, Longs can offer paid internship programs offering valuable work experience and career paths for students and veterans. The pharmacy also collaborates with the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy in Hilo, providing rewarding career opportunities for both current and prospective pharmacy students. This collaboration was triggered by a desire for more locally-grown talent and leadership, so aside from the healthcare aspect, it also provides opportunities related to business management, real estate, law, and marketing. This unique opportunity is also directly related to a career in healthcare with Longs itself, as the organization hopes to shed light on the immensely rewarding career options that are available within the pharmaceutical industry. It focuses on the basic pathway to becoming a pharmacist but also highlights the advanced tracks that lead to positions like pharmacy manager or district support pharmacy leader. Thanks to these strategies, students and adult Rock Salt Plum Family owned and operated since 1994. Bringing local favorites and more to Hawai’i and the world! www.alohagourmet.com Chewy Peanut Cake Crystalized Ginger Li Hing Gummi Mix Li Hing Mango Slices Li Hing Powder Li Hing Prune Mui with Apricot Premium Mix Arare Super Sweet Li Hing Mui Congratulations to Longs Drugs, CVS Hawaii and wishing you continued success! 19 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08 LONGS DRUGS (CVS HAWAII)
residents understand that working at Longs Drugs is incredibly rewarding. Its commitment to community support and employee development is evident in the numerous success stories of colleagues advancing within the company. Many employees, starting in entry-level positions, have grown into pharmacists, pharmacy managers, and store leaders. This focus on internal growth and community involvement is what makes Longs Drugs such a unique and fulfilling place to work and now more and more of Hawaii’s youth are starting to see that. One thing is clear: Longs Drugs is not just a company doing business in Hawaii, it’s a dedicated healthcare organization that is actively engaged and invested in the future of Hawaii’s residents in multiple ways. Looking ahead, Longs Drugs Hawaii is focused on enhancing the omnichannel experience, advancing digital solutions for prescription management, and improving customer convenience. Our values We challenge the status quo. We continuously make our work environment and communities better. We’re tenacious in fulfilling our commitments. Every person matters. We work as one team. C&S WHOLESALE GROCERS, LLC IS AN INDUSTRY LEADER IN SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS AND WHOLESALE GROCERY SUPPLY IN THE UNITED STATES. 20 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08
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PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Madden Corp www.welcometotheislands.com n Hawai‘i Foodbank www.hawaiifoodbank.org Hawai’i Foodbank, in partnership with its network of more than 225 hunger relief partners, provides food assistance to the State of Hawai‘i. Last year, Hawai’i Foodbank distributed food for more than 16.2 million meals — a quarter of which was fresh, healthy produce — to children, seniors and families facing hunger. n Lion Coffee www.lioncoffee.com Lion Coffee, Hawaii’s #1 local coffee brand, is celebrated for its exceptional quality, variety of roasts and island-inspired flavors. Lion Coffee is rapidly expanding on the mainland and promises to bring the same beloved roasts and share the Aloha spirit in every cup. Call us (toll free) today at 1-800-338-8353 or email aloha@hawaiicoffeecompany.com to find your nearest Lion Coffee representative! The organization is also working on expansion through its workforce initiatives. “We recently expanded to neighboring islands… and we also are partnering with the military as they transition from full duty to the civilian lifestyle. We have a career pathway for that,” Nakoa confirms. Reinvesting in the community remains a priority, with ongoing housing developments and partnerships with organizations like HMSA to ensure accessible healthcare for all. In summary, Longs Drugs commitment to community support, innovation, and workforce development ensures a bright future for the Hawaiian community. By continuing to invest in local initiatives, enhance customer experience, and develop its employees, the pharmacy is well-positioned to make a lasting positive impact on the communities it serves. n S&K Sales www.sksaleshawaii.com S&K Sales Co. serves the Hawaii retail community as a central warehouse hub, distributing a wide range of major CPG goods. They efficiently manage inventory, streamline order processing, and ensure timely delivery to numerous island retailers, including CVS. Their services also encompass retail headquarters and in-store sales support. n Hawaiian Sun Products, Inc. www.hawaiiansunproducts.com Hawaiian Sun is a food and beverage manufacturer of tropical fruit beverages, preserves, breakfast syrups and chocolate macadamia nut candies made in Honolulu, Hawaii with distribution in the USA, Canada and Asia. Enjoy a taste of Hawaii with our canned drinks, guava jelly, coconut syrup and more! n Aloha Gourmet www.alohagourmet.com Family owned and operated since 1994, Aloha Gourmet Products, Inc. is a wholesaler, importer and distributor of local Hawaiian favorites such as Li Hing mui, Dried fruits, Trail mixes, Arare rice crackers, Nuts, Sesame candies, Jerkies and much, much more! We bring local favorites and more to Hawai’i and the World! n C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC www.cswg.com C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC is an industry leader in supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply that operates and supports corporate grocery stores and services independent franchisees under a chain-style model throughout the United States, including Hawaii. C&S proudly services customers of all sizes, with over 100,000 different products. 22 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08
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