Early Life
Jean Coutu was born in Montreal, Quebec, on May 29, 1927. His father was a pediatrician. Coutu studied medicine before switching to pharmacy, earning his degree in 1953.
Rise to Success
Coutu's career began with Pharmacies Leduc before he partnered with his cousin Jean Locas to open pharmacies in Montreal. In 1969, Coutu and Louis Michaud founded the first Jean Coutu pharmacy, offering extended hours and a wider selection of products. The business model proved successful, leading to rapid expansion through franchising. By 1986, the Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc. was established, and Coutu expanded into the United States, acquiring Brooks Pharmacy. In 2017, the Jean Coutu Group was sold to Metro Inc. for $4.5 billion. The Coutu family remains involved in the company through board positions.
Key Business Strategies
Coutu's success was built on a strategy of offering a broad range of products, excellent customer service, and extended operating hours. Franchising allowed for rapid expansion, and strategic acquisitions, such as Brooks Pharmacy, further solidified the Jean Coutu Group's market position.
Philanthropy
Jean Coutu and his wife, Marcelle, established the Marcelle and Jean Coutu Foundation in 1991. The foundation supports initiatives in healthcare, education, and the fight against poverty and drug addiction, contributing to numerous organizations. The Coutu family has been involved in initiatives to aid those experiencing homelessness in Montreal since 2002, contributing to the renovation of facilities and improvements to services.