Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the third quarter and nine months ended October 10, 2009. For the quarter, the company reported EBITDA of CAD 341,218,000, operating income of CAD 262,649,000, earnings before income tax of CAD 244,589,000 and net earnings of CAD 170,894,000 or CAD 0.79 diluted share on sales of CAD 3,013,007,000 compared with EBITDA of CAD 316,246,000, operating income of CAD 252,447,000, earnings before income tax of CAD 232,347,000 and net earnings of CAD 160,276,000 or CAD 0.74 diluted share on sales of CAD 2,793,005,000 for the same period a year ago. The company's capital investment program, which has resulted in an 11.6% increase in drug store selling space compared to a year ago, continues to have a positive impact on sales growth. Effective marketing campaigns, combined with differentiated and impactful promotions utilizing the Shoppers Optimum loyalty card program, also contributed to top-line growth. This increase in net earnings was driven by strong sales growth, improved purchasing synergies and a continued emphasis on cost reduction, productivity and efficiency, the benefits of which were partially offset by increased amortization and higher expenses at store-level associated with the continued expansion of the store network, along with stepped-up investments in pricing and promotional activities. Third quarter capital expenditure program of CAD 178 million compared to CAD 273 million in the prior year. Included in the prior year was the acquisition of the assets of the HealthAccess division of Calea Ltd. and 100% of the shares of Calea Ltd.'s wholly-owned subsidiary, Information Healthcare Marketing Corp. (CAD 89 million). Opened or acquired 37 new drug stores, 15 of which were relocations, and added two Murale(TM) luxury beauty stores. Cash flows from operating activities were CAD 239 million in the third quarter of 2009 compared to CAD 165 million in the same period last year. For the nine months, the company reported EBITDA of CAD 830,695,000, operating income of CAD 640,244,000, earnings before income tax of CAD 593,797,000 and net earnings of CAD 413,848,000 or CAD 1.90 diluted share on sales of CAD 7,497,056,000 compared with EBITDA of CAD 766,066,000, operating income of CAD 611,172,000, earnings before income tax of CAD 563,160,000 and net earnings of CAD 387,609,000 or CAD 1.78 diluted share on sales of CAD 6,926,112,000 for the same period a year ago. Year-to-date capital expenditure program of CAD 418 million compared to CAD 517 million in the prior year. Opened or acquired 104 new drug stores, 37 of which were relocations, and added two Murale(TM) luxury beauty stores. For the period, the company reported net debt of CAD 1,402,072,000 compared with CAD 1,389,315,000 for the period ended on January 03, 2009. Year-to-date, the Company has generated CAD 521 million of cash from operating activities compared to CAD 318 million in the first three quarters of 2008. The company announced that its Board of Directors has declared a dividend of 21.5 cents per common share, payable January 15, 2010 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2009.

Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. announced that on October 29th, 2009, it will unveil its innovative and new retail beauty store, Murale, in Vancouver with a media preview and VIP customer event. The store opens to the public on October 30th, 2009 in Oakridge Centre. The beauty store will feature an unprecedented assortment of luxury, dermatological, fragrance and niche brands from around the world. Upon entering the store, customers will be delighted by the assortment of global luxury prestige cosmetics brands including Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Estee Lauder, Lancome, Stila and Nars, among others, each with their own area for interactivity and application. The store's fragrance section includes over 75 men's and women's scents from fragrance houses and designers like Prada, Donna Karan, Chloe, Cartier and Etat Libre d'Orange. Offering personalized and unbiased beauty advice, Murale Beauty Masters will assist customers in finding cosmetics and fragrances suited to their needs and also provide expert makeup applications. Murale's sophisticated dermatological area is equipped with professional assessment tools and the latest in topical treatments and nutra-cosmetics. With an assortment that delivers excellence in skin care, Murale will feature trusted and innovative brands like Natura Bisse, Vichy, Dr. Brandt, June Jacobs, and Darphin. Murale's professional skin care team, comprised of the store's Beauty Masters and an Aesthetician, is focused on personalized consultation.

Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. announced that expanding its already impressive cache of exclusive brands, the company unveils Balea(R), a new line of health and beauty lifestyle products that offer both quality and affordability. Balea invites shoppers to experience the brand 'from head to toe,' with a comprehensive range of products that includes hair care and skin care for the whole body, from facial wipes and lip balms to shampoos, body lotions and foot creams. Balea is available exclusively at more than 1,160 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores across Canada, a convenience that fits in with Canadians' increasingly busy, active lifestyles. The new line will boast more than 130 items to choose from by the end of 2009, with hundreds more to follow in 2010.