Content about Walgreens

November 29, 2012

When Walgreens and Express Scripts finally came to terms and agreed to again do business with each other in mid-2012, it marked the formal end of one of the costliest disputes in the history of pharmacy retailing and managed care.  

Walgreens and ESI announced July 19 that they had “reached a multiyear pharmacy network agreement that includes rates and terms” that both sides could live with, although those terms were not disclosed.  

November 28, 2012

L&R Distributors acquires SAJ Distributors and rights to the Select Brand private-label line from Walgreens

L&R Distributors on Wednesday acquired the assets of SAJ Distributors, along with the private-label line Select Brand, from Walgreens.

NEW YORK — L&R Distributors on Wednesday acquired the assets of SAJ Distributors, along with the private-label line Select Brand, from Walgreens. Walgreens had acquired SAJ earlier this year when it purchased USA Drug from Stephen L. LaFrance Holdings and members of the LaFrance family.

November 28, 2012

Leading retailers, suppliers gather in NYC for 14th annual Industry Issues Summit

As New York City enjoyed the first snowfall of the winter season, industry leaders gathered for the 14th annual Industry Issues Summit to discuss the top issues and trends impacting the industry, including the importance of seizing “whitespaces.”

NEW YORK — As New York City enjoyed the first snowfall of the winter season, industry leaders gathered for the 14th annual Industry Issues Summit to discuss the top issues and trends impacting the industry, including the importance of seizing “whitespaces.”

The all-day event was held on Tuesday at the New York Athletic Club, located just across the street from Central Park.

November 28, 2012

Smart Insurance partners with Walgreens on in-store consults for Medicare beneficiaries

Smart Insurance on Wednesday announced it is working with Walgreens to offer in-store consultations with licensed SmartD Rx plan agents, available at select Walgreens to speak with Medicare beneficiaries who are either enrolling in a new Part D prescription drug plan or evaluating their current coverage options.

CLEVELAND — Smart Insurance on Wednesday announced it is working with Walgreens to offer in-store consultations with licensed SmartD Rx plan agents, available at select Walgreens to speak with Medicare beneficiaries who are either enrolling in a new Part D prescription drug plan or evaluating their current coverage options.

November 28, 2012

Walgreens gives Los Angeles a taste of what's to come with store No. 8,000

Walgreens late Tuesday announced a mobile tasting tour across Los Angeles in advance of its latest flagship store opening Dec. 1.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens late Tuesday announced a mobile tasting tour across Los Angeles in advance of its latest flagship store opening Dec. 1. The Walgreens "Up Market: Fresh" experience will be brought to consumers via a custom-made, 40-foot bus that will visit various Los Angeles locations through Dec. 5. The "Up Market: Fresh" bus' daily location and featured sample menu items are shared via Twitter @upmarketfresh.

November 28, 2012

Walgreens to focus on importance of HIV testing, early treatment on World AIDS Day

On World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, Walgreens will encourage communities to focus on the importance of HIV testing and early treatment, both services addressed through its more than 700 HIV-specialized pharmacies coast to coast, the company announced Wednesday.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — On World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, Walgreens will encourage communities to focus on the importance of HIV testing and early treatment, both services addressed through its more than 700 HIV-specialized pharmacies coast to coast, the company announced Wednesday.

November 21, 2012

Walgreens and Redbox partner on Thanksgiving Day movie giveaway for early-bird customers

Walgreens and Redbox on Tuesday announced that the first 250 customers to make a purchase at each of the more than 8,000 Walgreens locations nationwide on Thanksgiving Day will get a free one-night Redbox DVD rental.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and Redbox on Tuesday announced that the first 250 customers to make a purchase at each of the more than 8,000 Walgreens locations nationwide on Thanksgiving Day will get a free one-night Redbox DVD rental. The rental will be valid from Thanksgiving Day through Nov. 29, 2012, at any Walgreens offering Redbox rentals.

November 21, 2012

Walgreens opens second Chicago flagship store at historic Noel State Bank building

Walgreens on Wednesday held the grand opening for its latest flagship store, a restoration of Chicago’s historic Noel State Bank building in Chicago’s Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday held the grand opening for its latest flagship store, a restoration of Chicago’s historic Noel State Bank building in Chicago’s Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood.

November 21, 2012

Walgreens urges Congress to resolve fiscal cliff

Walgreens on Tuesday publicly urged congressional leaders to make headway in avoiding the upcoming fiscal cliff if expiring tax cuts aren't reinstated.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday publicly urged congressional leaders to make headway in avoiding the upcoming fiscal cliff if expiring tax cuts aren't reinstated.

November 20, 2012

Fred's looks to grow through Diplomat Specialty partnership and Drug and Dollar concept pharmacy

Any trickle-down of an improving economy hasn't trickled down to Fred's consumer base, Bruce Efird, Fred's CEO, told analysts Tuesday morning in discussing the discounter's third-quarter results.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Any trickle-down of an improving economy hasn't trickled down to Fred's consumer base, Bruce Efird, Fred's CEO, told analysts Tuesday morning in discussing the discounter's third-quarter results. "During the third quarter we continue to see generally weak economic conditions throughout the Southeast which are clearly weighing heavily on our customers and influencing how they shop for their basic needs," he said. "It's more evident that things are not getting better for our core customers."

November 20, 2012

Walgreens goes multichannel with Black Friday promotions

Walgreens will be making a multichannel play for Black Friday customers through a mystery mobile coupon, the retailer announced Tuesday.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens will be making a multichannel play for Black Friday customers through a mystery mobile coupon, the retailer announced Tuesday.

November 19, 2012

American Cancer Society honors 19 corporate donors

The American Cancer Society on Friday honored 19 companies, including three retail pharmacy operators and three consumer packaged goods companies, with its Excellence in Philanthropy award — recognizing the companies for their generous support of the society’s efforts to eliminate cancer as a public health burden.

ATLANTA – The American Cancer Society on Friday honored 19 companies, including three retail pharmacy operators and three consumer packaged goods companies, with its Excellence in Philanthropy award — recognizing the companies for their generous support of the society’s efforts to eliminate cancer as a public health burden.

November 19, 2012

Duane Reade kicks off Facebook campaign to promote store-brand hosiery

Duane Reade, which is owned by Walgreens, has announced a seven-week social media campaign to raise awareness of Duane Reade brand hosiery products — produced by Doris Hosiery Mills.

NEW YORK — Duane Reade, which is owned by Walgreens, has announced a seven-week social media campaign to raise awareness of Duane Reade-brand hosiery products — produced by Doris Hosiery Mills.

The campaign will aim to help New Yorkers find the perfect legwear for a multitude of events in time for the winter season. The "Show Us Some Leg" contest, calls for entrants to upload their original photos wearing Duane Reade brand hosiery via a Duane Reade Facebook page application, commenced at midnight on Nov. 18 and will run through Jan. 7.

November 16, 2012

Ibotta debuts new shopping app with opportunities for users to earn dollars at shelf

Ibotta on Friday officially launched its free mobile application for iPhone users that gives consumers a new way to earn as much as $40 in cash each time they shop.

DENVER — Ibotta on Friday officially launched its free mobile application for iPhone users that gives consumers a new way to earn as much as $40 in cash each time they shop. With Ibotta, consumers earn cash rewards for answering a trivia question, watching videos and/or providing feedback on their favorite products, then buying the products in major national retailers, such as Walmart, Target and Walgreens.

November 16, 2012

Mike Cirilli joins Rite Aid

Mike Cirilli has joined Rite Aid as senior director of OTC and private label, Rite Aid said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Mike Cirilli has joined Rite Aid as senior director of OTC and private label, Rite Aid said.

With 29 years of work experience in retail category management and merchandising, Cirilli most recently was VP merchandising with Duane Reade, where he worked for 16 years, and was a director and VP supply chain for Krasdale Foods. At Rite Aid, he will report to group VP category management Bill Bergin.

A native of New York, Cirilli earned his bachelor degree in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

November 16, 2012

Twenty-one years supporting JDRF, Walgreens raises $18 million over that period, $1.3 million in 2012

Walgreens and JDRF on Friday announced that Walgreens' community-based programs helped raise more than $1.3 million in 2012 for JDRF. The year marked the 21st anniversary of Walgreens' participation in JDRF's nationwide campaign to raise funds for research to put an end to diabetes.

NEW YORK — Walgreens and JDRF on Friday announced that Walgreens' community-based programs helped raise more than $1.3 million in 2012 for JDRF. The year marked the 21st anniversary of Walgreens' participation in JDRF's nationwide campaign to raise funds for research to put an end to diabetes.

During the month of July, as part of the Walgreens Way to Well Commitment, customers at more than 7,500 Walgreens stores could make donations of $1 or more at checkout.

November 16, 2012

Walgreens, Take Care Clinic to offer free diabetes screenings through November

Walgreens and Take Care Clinics on Friday announced the offer of free health testing for hemoglobin A1C and blood glucose at more than 3,000 U.S. locations through the end of November as part of American Diabetes Month and the Walgreens Way to Well Commitment.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and Take Care Clinics on Friday announced the offer of free health testing for hemoglobin A1C and blood glucose at more than 3,000 U.S. locations through the end of November as part of American Diabetes Month and the Walgreens Way to Well Commitment.

November 15, 2012

Walgreens, American Red Cross raise more than $4 million for Superstorm Sandy victims

Walgreens and the American Red Cross on Thursday announced that more than $4 million was raised by Walgreens and Duane Reade customers nationwide for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund since Nov. 5.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and the American Red Cross on Thursday announced that more than $4 million was raised by Walgreens and Duane Reade customers nationwide for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund since Nov. 5.

“Hurricane Sandy resulted in so many people with needs," stated Mark Wagner, Walgreens president of operations and community management. "We’re very proud of the support Walgreens and Duane Reade customers showed and how that support will help those in need work through the many hardships they face."

November 15, 2012

Walgreens’ Shannon Curtin: ‘Exclusivity  of experience is large differentiator’

“When you create something for [our various retail concepts], you are creating a new experience and environment that makes us different than our competitive set. Exclusivity of the experience is a large differentiator.” That was a key message that keynote retail speaker Shannon Curtin, Walgreens divisional VP and GMM for beauty, personal care and seasonal, had for attendees of the Oct. 17 Mack Elevation Forum.

WHEELING, Ill. — “When you create something for [our various retail concepts], you are creating a new experience and environment that makes us different than our competitive set. Exclusivity of the experience is a large differentiator.” That was a key message that keynote retail speaker Shannon Curtin, Walgreens divisional VP and GMM for beauty, personal care and seasonal, had for attendees of the Oct. 17 Mack Elevation Forum, held here at the Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel.

November 15, 2012

Walmart works to narrow the pharmacy gap

Walmart’s pharmacy footprint is poised for its most meaningful expansion in decades, thanks to shifting capital expenditure priorities that have begun to favor more aggressive expansion of smaller stores. 

November 13, 2012

Walk with Walgreens School Challenge stepped up exercise curriculum with nearly 1,800 hours of walking

Students participating in a school challenge developed by the Walk with Walgreens program and Alliance for a Healthier Generation helped add nearly 1,800 hours of walking to schools’ daily routine over the course of the six-week program.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Students participating in a school challenge developed by the Walk with Walgreens program and Alliance for a Healthier Generation helped add nearly 1,800 hours of walking to schools' daily routine over the course of the six-week program. Each school that exceeded the minimum walking goal will receive a $1,000 grant from Walgreens to implement or enhance the school’s physical activity curriculum, Walgreens announced Tuesday.

November 9, 2012

Loyalty cards explain how three pharmacy operators are bullish around winning the same patient

CVS Caremark reported strong numbers on both the retail and PBM sides of its business — but the real bombshell for analysts on the call was the news that the company has raised its estimate on the number of Express Script patients that CVS feels it can keep from going back to Walgreens.

That's a big boast. But Rite Aid, too, likes its shot to keep the ESI customers who at one time frequented Walgreens' pharmacies to fill their prescriptions. And Walgreens, for its part, reminds analysts that there was a reason those ESI patients were filling their prescriptions in the first place. So the Chicago retailer is confident that they'll be able to entice many of their former patients to return to the pharmacy fold. But in the end, who's really going to capture that coveted ESI patient? Will they stay, or will they go?

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark reported strong numbers on both the retail and PBM sides of its business — but the real bombshell for analysts on the call was the news that the company has raised its estimate on the number of Express Script patients that CVS feels it can keep from going back to Walgreens.

November 9, 2012

The synergies to flow between Boots, Walgreens have only begun to be tapped

As part of its multi-channel strategy, Boots UK is currently testing the use of iPads to support in-store ordering across 30 stores, the London-based drug store retailer recently announced.

Sound familiar? Borrowing a page from the Walgreens playbook is evidence that the sharing of best practices will flow in both directions across the Atlantic. What else could Boots borrow from Walgreens? Creating a pharmacy business that better interacts with the neighboring community is one strength at Walgreens that Boots may successfully plug into.

LONDON — As part of its multi-channel strategy, Boots UK is currently testing the use of iPads to support in-store ordering across 30 stores, the London-based drug store retailer recently announced.

November 8, 2012

Boldface ships holiday merchandise

Boldface Group has shipped its first wave of holiday merchandise to several retailers around the country, the company said Thursday.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Boldface Group has shipped its first wave of holiday merchandise to several retailers around the country, the company said Thursday.

The beauty products maker said it had shipped faux eyelashes, mascara, lipstick sets and others to retailers like CVS, Duane Reade, Kmart, Fred Meyer, Meijer, Ulta and others. The products include Lash Dash Faux Lashes, Kardazzle Alll Over Face Palette Kits, Au Naturel Lip Sets and Khroma Beauty by Kourtney, Kim and Khloe Kardashian.

November 7, 2012

Boots U.K. testing in-store health guides armed with tablets

Boots U.K. recently took a page out of Walgreens' playbook with the placement of health guides across the front-end.

LONDON — Boots U.K. recently took a page out of Walgreens' playbook with the placement of health guides across the front-end.

As part of its multi-channel strategy, Boots U.K. is currently testing the use of iPads to support in-store ordering across 30 stores, the London-based drug store retailer recently announced.