Founder Of Drug Emporium Named CEO Of Cost-U-Less

SEATTLE - Jeffrey Meder, founder of the former Drug Emporium that was sold to Longs Drugs, has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Cost-U-Less, the Bellevue operator of nonmembership warehouse "club style" stores.

He replaces Cost-U-Less founder Michael Rose, who will remain as chairman and focus on expanding the company. Meder's experience in building the drug outlet he founded in 1981 to a company with nearly $180 million in sales by 1997 is expected to help Cost-U-Less grow.

Cost-U-Less, which was founded in 1989 and went public in July 1998, plans to open two stores in New Zealand and one in St. Maarten, the Netherlands Antilles, early next year. It operates 11 stores and is pursuing more locations in the South Pacific and Caribbean areas.