Lil’ Drug Store Products, Inc. has completed its acquisition of Navajo Incorporated‘s health, beauty and wellness business, including its trial and travel division. The deal takes the convenience-channel HBC distributor into grocery and drug for the first time.
The trial- and travel-size health and beauty sets that Denver, Colorado-based Navajo has supplied to grocery and drug retailers for decades now come under LDSP, the Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based distributor whose category management and brand partnership services reach more than 180,000 retail locations in convenience, travel, hospitality and alternative channels. Grocery and drug retailers gain access to LDSP’s supply base, which includes partnerships with P&G, Haleon, Kenvue, Prestige Consumer Healthcare and others, along with its category and consumer insights and merchandising programs.
‘A more comprehensive retail solution’
“This acquisition extends our strategy to provide consumer health and personal care suppliers with a more comprehensive retail solution,” said Chris DeWolf, president and CEO of LDSP. “Navajo’s strength in grocery and drug complements our leadership in convenience and travel, expanding our brand partners’ ability to reach consumers wherever they shop.”
The transaction, effective Sept. 4, positions the family-owned company as a single-source retail partner for consumer health and personal care suppliers, adding new customers, categories and distribution points.
“For decades, Navajo has built strong relationships with suppliers and retailers by staying focused on delivering value and exceptional service,” said Deborah Levy-Abreu, CEO of Navajo Inc. “Lil’ Drug Store Products shares our customer-first mindset, and we are confident this combination will build on our legacy while taking the business to the next level.”
“This transaction brings Lil’ Drug’s more than 50 years of trial and travel expertise to grocery and drug retailers for the first time,” DeWolf added.
Navajo’s retained businesses
The acquisition is limited to Navajo’s health, beauty and wellness business. Navajo will continue to independently own and operate its eyewear, mobile electronics and general merchandise businesses.
Founded in 1974, LDSP provides category management, distribution and brand partnership services in health and beauty, automotive supplies, cellular accessories and sunglasses. Navajo, founded in 1978, operates more than 400,000 square feet of manufacturing, display fabrication, distribution and showroom space.