Phoenix Stores is about to celebrate 100 years in business and is offering the community a week full of activities to mark the occasion.

Phoenix president and CEO George Grundmuller yesterday announced the week-long schedule starting on Saturday November 2 and culminating on November 9. Activities on Saturday November 2nd include a children's magic show, face painting, a cake cutting ceremony, DJ Peter Lewis broadcasting remotely from the store, beauty consultations, a competition and several give-aways as well as a 20 percent storewide discount on Saturday, November 2nd (excluding Bermuda books, prescriptions, cigarettes, newspapers and magazines). Activities continue through the week with a special Seniors Day on Wednesday, November 6 when seniors are invited to come into the Phoenix store for anniversary cake and coffee and will enjoy 20 percent off storewide. There will also be free medication reviews with the pharmacists, more give-aways and samplings.

On Saturday November 9, the first 3000 customers at the Phoenix Stores will receive a surprise gift bag. There will be face painting from 10 a.m. until 12 noon and two grand prize draws.

Phoenix is also involving its employees in the anniversary celebrations by awarding a gift certificate to be used in any MEF restaurant to the best-decorated store, the winners of which will be announced on November 8. Full-time staff will also get an extra day's holiday next year. Mr. Grundmuller is looking forward to sharing the celebration with the people who count: “The community and our employees have made Phoenix Stores what it is today. Without them we wouldn't exist. We're looking forward to the celebrations and wanted to celebrate our 100th anniversary with the community. We hope everyone will stop by at least once during the activities. It's going to be a great week.”

The Phoenix Drug Store, originally run by the Young family, was first established and opened on November 5, 1902 on the corner of Queen and Reid Street (opposite the headquarters today). It was the first business house to be illuminated by electricity which was generated by its own plant on the premises.