RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/05/12 -- Following 18 months of extensive planning and investment, major Canadian retailer London Drugs launches a new website and e-commerce store today.

A variety of navigational improvements have been implemented as well as two key differentiators: 1) the ability for customers to pick-up products ordered online at any London Drugs bricks and mortar location and 2) a shopping 'finder' assistant that asks the browser questions and in-turn offers back custom advice - matching a customer's answers to specific products - in beauty, cameras and computers.

"The new www.londondrugs.com offers our customers better methods to find exactly what they're looking for, with a secure and simple way to purchase and pick-up in the store, or have delivered anywhere in Canada by Canada Post or by courier, in a short amount of time," says Wynne Powell, president and CEO, London Drugs.

The new estore educates visitors with expert advice directly from the product buyers and experts from London Drugs, matching the in-store shopping experience and customer service at its bricks and mortar locations.

Improved search functions including the customized shopping "finder" tool takes customers through a series of questions about what they are looking for, resulting in a succinct and personalized product round-up.

There are three finder tools: the Beauty Finder, Camera Finder and Computer Finder.

For example, when looking for a new computer, there are many different models and price ranges to consider. The "computer finder" welcomes you to consider various parameters around an individual's system needs and usage.

The beauty finder is inviting, beginning with, "Let's find your new look" and goes on to ask, "First off, let's pick a skin tone," next "What color are your eyes and hair" and so on.

The camera finder follows this similar personalized question and answer functionality taking the customer through various steps asking, "How do you plan on using your new camera," "What types of images do you shoot," "Where do you plan on using your camera," "What kind of creative control do you want," and price range.

Purchasing on the site is simple. The estore is equipped to accept debit, PayPal and all major forms of payment. It's also mobile, offers electronic software downloads and integrates London Drugs' popular social media channels and Bazaarvoice ratings and reviews - where customers can look at a product and quickly share their thoughts on the product, ask questions and provide answers - creating a dialogue with fellow customers.

"A customer can be on the London Drugs Nerd Blog or connecting with us and asking questions on Twitter about the launch of a much-anticipated technical gadget or hot new fragrance and then immediately click over, find it, purchase and pick-up or have it delivered with ease," says Powell.

London Drugs partnered with Demandware/ Live Area Labs to develop and build the new site, and use Mainstreet Commerce for fulfillment.

"We chose Demandware and their implementation partner Live Area Labs because of their extensive experience at bringing successful retailers customer-centered approach from their physical stores, to their estores," explains Powell.

For London Drugs' 76 physical locations visit the new Store Locator.

London Drugs Social Media:

Facebook

Google+

Pinterest

YouTube

Twitter

London Drugs Blogs:

LD Nerd Blog

All You Need to Know Blog

Cosmetics Beauty Blog

Photolab Blog

What's the Green Deal Blog

LD Insurance Blog

About London Drugs

Founded in 1945, B.C.-based London Drugs has 76 stores in more than 35 major markets throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba including its online store www.londondrugs.com. London Drugs offers consumers a range of products from digital cameras and cosmetics to computers and televisions. Renowned for its creative approach to retailing, the company employs more than 7,500 people with pharmacy and health care services being the heart of its business. Committed to innovation and superior customer service, London Drugs has established itself as a reputable and caring company and continues to position itself for future growth and development.