Drugstore.com Losses Widen

Drugstore.com Inc. reported a net loss of $5.4 million for the fourth quarter, compared to $2.4 million last year.

The online pharmacy reported net sales of $103.6 million for the quarter ended Jan. 2, up from $$70.6 million last year.

“We have proven our ability to grow net sales, but I was brought on board to take a hard look at this business, and to leverage its sales growth and produce long-term, sustained profitability,” said Dawn Lepore, CEO of the Bellevue, WA firm in a statement. “I very strongly believe that drugstore.com has an exciting opportunity, but we need to invest in our brand, marketing and technology. Our fiscal 2005 guidance reflects that plan.”