Peter Piliouras, CEO of Star Pharmacy Group, is aiming to double the group’s 70-store Star Discount Chemist chain within five years, taking on industry giant Chemist Warehouse.
Despite Chemist Warehouse’s $10 billion in annual sales and 540-store footprint, Piliouras likens Star to Aldi or IGA, serving customers who value pharmacist care over bulk buying.
“You don’t go to Chemist Warehouse if you want time with a pharmacist… You don’t go to Star if you’re looking for the biggest range of fragrances,” he told AFR.
Star currently generates $300 million in annual sales, with 1000 staff and a presence in five states.
Founded by pharmacists Stan Kontos and Peter Gardiakos, the group continues to grow in a maturing, tightly regulated market.
Source: AFR.
