Austin focus on niche marketing, upscale look

Drug Store News, April 5, 1993

Great neck, N.Y. - Austin Drug's latest store, which relocated to a bigger location around the corner from the old site, aim to fill specific niches within its market while balancing its image as an upscale cosmetics and toiletry destination.

The store's greater concentration on food addresses the lack of downtown shopping outlets in this wealthy Long Island suburb. Dairy cases, 21-foot kosher section and a diabetic food section have been added to this location. Other customer driven category additions include hardware and notions. In the ultimate attempt to serve customers, the chain also offers valet parking since parking is tight in the neighborhood.

Said Austin chief executive officer Steve Dworkin: "Today you have to go after the niche business. You have to provide value as well as service.