Content about Walgreens

January 15, 2013

Report: Duane Reade social media campaign helps drive 20% lift in sales

Duane Reade, which is owned by Walgreens, has increased Duane Reade brand hosiery sales by close to 20% thanks to a seven-week social media campaign launched in November to raise awareness of those products — produced by Doris Hosiery Mills.

NEW YORK — Duane Reade, which is owned by Walgreens, has increased Duane Reade brand hosiery sales by close to 20% thanks to a seven-week social media campaign launched in November to raise awareness of those products — produced by Doris Hosiery Mills.

January 15, 2013

Smartphones driving mobile health revolution

“A drug store in the palm of your hand.” That’s what Walgreens calls the fast-growing suite of health and pharmacy services now available from many retail pharmacies to Americans with smartphones.

Technology vendors, pharmacies and other health providers are keeping pace with a slew of interactive health offerings. For proof, one need look no further than the nation’s biggest drug store retailers.

January 14, 2013

Enough flu vaccines to go around - just not everywhere at once

Amid an unusually strong flu season that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called an epidemic, supplies of flu vaccines are running low, and some people hoping to get immunized are having trouble finding them.

January 14, 2013

Mobile coupon in aisle seven — Aisle411 showcases latest shopping app in Las Vegas Walgreens

Aisle411 last week announced their Indoor Location Geo-Fence Alerts API was being showcased in the Aisle411 Android application at Las Vegas-area Walgreens stores.

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Aisle411 last week announced their Indoor Location Geo-Fence Alerts API was being showcased in the Aisle411 Android application at Las Vegas-area Walgreens stores.

January 11, 2013

Consumables, drugs to see slower market growth in 2013, study finds

Growth in the consumer products market is likely to slow down over the next five years, while pharmacy retailers will see a profit windfall due to the generic drug cycle, according to a new report.

NEW YORK -- Growth in the consumer products market is likely to slow down over the next five years, while pharmacy retailers will see a profit windfall due to the generic drug cycle, according to a new report.

January 11, 2013

Retailers take part in transition to quality-based healthcare model and get paid

Walgreens' Arkansas Payment Improvement Initiative aims to create a more patient-centered and cost-efficient payment system for the retailer's home state.

The latest move by Walmart is as sure an indication as any that health care is becoming less about fee-for-service and more about basing compensation on ratings derived from patient outcomes.

Walmart's Arkansas Payment Improvement Initiative aims to create a more patient-centered and cost-efficient payment system for the retailer's home state.

The latest move by Walmart is as sure an indication as any that health care is becoming less about fee-for-service and more about basing compensation on ratings derived from patient outcomes.

January 11, 2013

Walgreens raises quarterly dividend, names new controller

The board of directors of Walgreens declared a regular quarterly dividend of 27.5 cents per share, a 22.2% increase over the year ago dividend.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The board of directors of Walgreens on Thursday declared a regular quarterly dividend of 27.5 cents per share, a 22.2% increase over the year ago dividend. The dividend is payable March 12, 2013, to shareholders of record Feb. 15, 2013.

Walgreens has paid a dividend in 321 straight quarters (more than 80 years) and has raised its dividend for 37 consecutive years. Over the last five years, Walgreens annual dividend rate has increased from 38 cents per share to $1.10 per share, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of nearly 24%.

January 11, 2013

With Walgreens two trends - omnichannel retailing and ACOs - are already taking shape in 2013

Walgreens chief Greg Wasson had a new vision to share with the pharmacy operator's faithful shareholders for 2013. It was a vision that firmly placed the Express Scripts dispute in the rear-view mirror and refocused on the road ahead that includes expanding the role of pharmacy and even what it means to be a U.S. pharmacy operator with its acquisition of Alliance Boots.

Two major announcements were made in the wake of the shareholders meeting, both of which were identified by DSN as two of the top six big trends to watch through 2013. Walgreens reiterated its commitment to fostering an omnichannel experience for its shoppers and, a day after the shareholders meeting, Walgreens became the only retail pharmacy operator to partner on three Accountable Care Organizations.

Walgreens chief Greg Wasson had a new vision to share with the pharmacy operator's faithful shareholders for 2013. It was a vision that firmly placed the Express Scripts dispute in the rear-view mirror and refocused on the road ahead, that includes expanding the role of pharmacy and even what it means to be a U.S. pharmacy operator with its acquisition of Alliance Boots.

January 10, 2013

HHS announces 106 new ACOs, including three affiliated with Walgreens

Advocare Walgreens Well Network, Diagnostic Clinic Walgreens Well Network and Scott & White Walgreens Well Network have been selected as three of 106 new Accountable Care Organizations in Medicare, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Advocare Walgreens Well Network, Diagnostic Clinic Walgreens Well Network and Scott & White Walgreens Well Network have been selected as three of 106 new Accountable Care Organizations in Medicare, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced Thursday.

January 9, 2013

Following challenging 2012, Walgreens looks to expand pharmacy role in 2013 and beyond

"2012 was definitely an important year for Walgreens," Greg Wasson, Walgreens president and CEO, told shareholders here Wednesday afternoon at the chain's annual shareholder meeting. "We did make some tough choices to protect and solidify … our position for the long term," he said. "[But] our vision is crystal clear to become the first choice for health and daily living in America."

CHICAGO — "[The year] 2012 was definitely an important year for Walgreens," Greg Wasson, Walgreens president and CEO, told shareholders here, at the Navy Pier, Wednesday afternoon, at the chain's annual shareholder meeting. "We did make some tough choices to protect and solidify … our position for the long term," he said. "[But] our vision is crystal clear to become the first choice for health and daily living in America."

January 9, 2013

Report: Severe flu expected to drive increased pharmacy trips, same-store sales

The rocketing incidence of flu has been characterized as the most severe in at least a decade, and it's only going to get worse. Or better, depending upon your perspective.

NEW YORK — The rocketing incidence of flu has been characterized as the most severe in at least a decade, and it's only going to get worse. Or better, depending upon your perspective.

January 8, 2013

Home care provider ResCare signs agreement to use Walgreens' prescription packaging service DailyMed

Home care provider ResCare HomeCare announced it has signed a national affiliation agreement with Walgreens as the national drug store chain rolls out its DailyMed by Walgreens prescription service.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Home care provider ResCare HomeCare on Tuesday announced that it has signed a national affiliation agreement with Walgreens as the national drug store chain rolls out its DailyMed by Walgreens prescription service.

January 8, 2013

Walgreens opens comprehensive worksite health center at BMW Manufacturing's U.S. campus

Walgreens and BMW Manufacturing on Tuesday celebrated the grand opening of a comprehensive worksite health center on the BMW campus in Spartanburg, S.C.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and BMW Manufacturing on Tuesday celebrated the grand opening of a comprehensive worksite health center on the BMW campus in Spartanburg, S.C. The 25,000-square foot facility, managed by Walgreens Employer Solutions Group, will provide BMW associates, dependents and eligible retirees a wide range of health services, including primary and occupational care.

January 8, 2013

Walgreens promoting exclusive line of 'natural' dietary supplements

Walgreens has begun promotion of its exclusive PureLife Naturals line of health supplements, a line launched in September in its weekly circulars.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has begun promotion of its exclusive PureLife Naturals line of health supplements, a line launched in September in its weekly circulars. The line of active-ingredient formulas are blended without any artificial ingredients, colors or preservatives and ideal for the purity-conscious shopper.

January 4, 2013

Walgreens further elevates beauty at mass with 'Night at the W'

Following the "People’s Choice Awards," Walgreens is celebrating its involvement in the awards by hosting “Night at the W” events at its stores nationwide on Jan. 10.

The “Night at the W,” which leverages the expertise of its beauty advisers, is yet another example of how the pharmacy retailer is elevating the beauty experience at mass. And the event is an ideal way to promote its beauty advisers.

Following the "People’s Choice Awards," Walgreens is celebrating its involvement in the awards by hosting “Night at the W” events at its stores nationwide on Jan. 10.

January 4, 2013

Walgreens, Target, Sears, Supervalu, Costco get high marks for gay, lesbian employee policies

Several retailers got top scores from a gay-rights organization for their efforts to prevent discrimination against and include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

WASHINGTON — Several retailers got top scores from a gay-rights organization for their efforts to prevent discrimination against and to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

The Human Rights Campaign released its 2013 Corporate Equality Index, which gives companies ratings of up to 100% based on their policies regarding LGBT employees and also released a buyer's guide for LGBT consumers.

January 4, 2013

Walgreens: Early results are in, stronger flu season positively impacting pharmacy comps

Both the strong incidence of influenza and the rise in the number of flu shots administered in December positively impacted comparable prescriptions filled at Walgreens on a day-fall adjusted basis, the company reported.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Both the strong incidence of influenza and the rise in the number of flu shots administered in December positively impacted comparable prescriptions filled at Walgreens on a day-fall adjusted basis, the company reported Friday. Flu shots administered at pharmacies and clinics season-to-date were nearly 5.5 million versus approximately 5.3 million last year, the retailer noted.

January 3, 2013

Rite Aid reports 2.2% decrease in comps for December

A shift in the New Year's holiday calendar and the introduction of new generic drugs contributed to a decrease in same-store sales for the month of December at Rite Aid, the retail pharmacy chain said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — A shift in the New Year's holiday calendar and the introduction of new generic drugs contributed to a decrease in same-store sales for the month of December at Rite Aid, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

January 2, 2013

Stock market rebounds following 'fiscal cliff' compromise

Wall Street on Wednesday celebrated the "fiscal cliff" compromise as stocks across the board were trading up by some 200 basis points. As of noon, the Dow was up 1.7% and Nasdaq 2.3%.

NEW YORK — Wall Street on Wednesday celebrated the "fiscal cliff" compromise as stocks across the board were trading up by some 200 basis points. As of noon, the Dow was up 1.7% and Nasdaq 2.3%.

January 2, 2013

Walgreens to host 'Night at the W' following the People's Choice Awards

Walgreens on Wednesday announced that all Walgreens locations will host a "Night at the W" to celebrate the retail pharmacy operator's involvement in the People's Choice Awards.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday announced that all Walgreens locations will host a "Night at the W" to celebrate the retail pharmacy operator's involvement in the People's Choice Awards. "The People's Choice Awards 2013" airs Jan. 9 on CBS; the "Night at the W" will take place the following day between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.

December 28, 2012

As WAG celebrates Worksite Health Centers AAAHC accreditation, industry can expect further growth

Half of the primary care work-site health centers managed by Walgreens Employer Solutions Group have received AAAHC accreditation as patient-centered medical homes, with plans to have all of the company’s employer-based primary care centers accredited in the first half of 2013.

The news speaks to the quality of care delivered at Walgreens work sites, and as employers increasingly look for ways to curb healthcare costs and boost employee productivity, one can expect to see greater growth of such facilities going forward.

December 28, 2012

Walgreens is paving the way toward a better pharmacy proposition

Walgreens executives last week were upbeat looking ahead to calendar 2013, identifying the company's growing base of Well Experience format stores, the expanding role retail pharmacy plays in the delivery of health care and the promise to be realized through creating a global pharmacy operator as the three primary reasons lifting their spirits.

A new, fast-growing loyalty card program and closure to the company's nine-month separation from Express Scripts' pharmacy network are working wonders on improving the perception of Walgreens' future potential. A fortified faith in Walgreens' full potential never left the company's executive suite, of course. It's Wall Street analysts that still need a little convincing, and that may be coming along as well.

December 27, 2012

Christmas tornado narrowly misses Alabama Walgreens location

A video depicting a tornado blowing through the parking lot of a Walgreens was posted to YouTube on Wednesday.

MOBILE, Ala. — A video depicting a tornado blowing through the parking lot of a Walgreens was posted to YouTube on Wednesday. The footage captures both shoppers and store employees reacting to the tornado with footage from both outside and inside the store.

December 27, 2012

Rite Aid shares trading some 40% higher in week following 3Q conference call

Rite Aid's fundamentals are improving, and Wall Street has taken notice.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's fundamentals are improving, and Wall Street has taken notice.

Rite Aid stock was up slightly by three cents late Thursday afternoon from its previous close of $1.41 per share. But shares were trading at $1.02 per share on Dec. 19, the day before Rite Aid announced third quarter results.

December 27, 2012

Walgreens Infusion Services selected as a contracted provider of just-approved long-term treatment for SBS

Walgreens Infusion Services has been selected as a contracted provider of a new injectable medication that helps patients with short bowel syndrome.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Infusion Services has been selected as a contracted provider of a new injectable medication that helps patients with short bowel syndrome get more — or all — of their nutrients orally, reducing their dependence on intravenous parenteral nutrition, the division announced Wednesday.