On the heels of a new Walgreens drug store being built on the northern side of Thomson is news that officials with CVS, another national drug store chain, plan a new store on the south side of the city.
McDuffie County Planning Director Fred Guerrant confirmed earlier this week that his office received plans from an engineering company in Atlanta, who is representing CVS.
"It's my understanding that CVS wants to build a new drug store where the old Kentucky Fried Chicken used to be located at the intersection of West Hill and Jackson streets," Mr. Guerrant said. "I think it will significantly improve the community climate of the city.
"It shows that CVS officials are willing to make the commitment and investment to build that free-standing new drug store building."
Speculation of the move already existed, Mr. Guerrant said. And a few weeks ago when KFC closed its doors and departed from Thomson, such speculation escalated, he added.
Late last Friday, Mr. Guerrant said he received a package from a FedEx delivery man which contained paperwork confirming the interest of CVS officials to build a new drug store.
CVS already operates two drug stores within Thomson. One is located in the Bi-Lo Shopping Center, while the other one is located in the Thomson Plaza, off West Hill Street. CVS officials have made no announcements concerning the fate of their existing drug stores in Thomson.
Mike DeAgelis, who serves as director of CVS/Pharmacy, told The McDuffie Mirror in an e-mail that the company had no announcement regarding a new Thomson location.
"We only confirm or comment on new locations if there is a signed agreement for a site," Mr. DeAgelis said.
Attempts to contact CVS District Manager Ken Hipsher for additional comments were unsuccessful.
