McKesson Canada, the century-old distributor of pharmaceuticals, health and beauty products, and medical supplies just announced they have purchased natural health and beauty e-commerce retailer Well.ca.
Well.ca was founded in Guelph, ON in 2008 and quickly earned awards for e-commerce retailer excellence and their streamlined customer service experience. It also built its reputation by offering a broad selection of health products for the entire family, while focusing on baby care and “green-minded” consumers wishing to purchase high quality products including “peer-reviewed” products according to their web site.
Well.ca ventured into bricks and mortar stores with a four-month trial store at The Shops of Don Mills, in Toronto in 2015 and last year opened a “pop-up” shop at Toronto’s Sherway Gardens on The West Mall.
McKesson Canada is owned by San Francisco-based and publicly traded McKesson Corporation, founded in 1883 in New York City, and considered to be the world’s largest distributor of pharmaceutical drugs and health products with 2015 sales of USD $147.3 billion.
The announcement was made jointly by both companies and according to Well.ca’s CEO, Rebecca McKillican, “Well.ca’s ‘digital-first’ approach to retail has continuously pushed the boundaries of the customer experience in Canada.” McKesson has been a supply chain partner to Well.ca since its inception in 2008.
Although no further information was given as to future planning with their purchase of Well.ca the press releases stated that, “Well.ca will operate as a distinct business within McKesson Canada, while retaining its existing brand and remain headquartered in Guelph, Ontario.”
