a lot of our sellable goods and even our services with vendors and suppliers on the island,” explains Assistant General Manager and Lead Director of Merchandising Operations Jon Higa. While national brand options from the mainland are available, Longs still prioritizes supporting the local workforce and businesses, recognizing its role as a responsible partner in the sustainability and strength of Hawaii’s economy. “We’re a national brand and retailer, but we realize the importance of keeping local businesses strong here because we’re one of the most isolated markets and states in the world,” Higa comments. Even with the local focus, the complexity of serving an archipelago still necessitates a highly integrated and agile supply chain model. Longs not only operates with an on-island servicing distribution center, but also co-mingles freight with direct-to-store delivery (DSD) partners and centralized distribution freight. This multifaceted logistics network involves collaboration with suppliers on each island to securely provide goods and services to their intended communities. This unique combination of centralized networks and direct vendor support, although complex, enables Longs to manage costs effectively and deliver products to customers at affordable retail price points —a crucial consideration given the high cost of living in Hawaii. Just as it has adapted its supply chain structure to Hawaii’s physical landscape, Longs Drugs also continually adapts to the evolving needs of Hawaii’s healthcare landscape. One of the most recent significant additions to the company’s retail channel was the opening of a store at Ho’omaka in Kapolei. 98 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 08
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