Walgreens is changing the face of the drugstore business with the opening of a new flagship location in Chicago’s historic State Street district. When customers visit the store at the corner of State and Randolph, they will be able to buy more than cough drops, greeting cards and batteries. In addition to the typical drugstore staples, visitors to the new Walgreens can pick up some fresh, hand-rolled sushi or choose from one of the store’s more than 700 fine wines.

 

The store doesn’t stop there, though. The two-story Walgreens also features a juice bar, a cafe staffed with a barista serving up freshly brewed coffee, an expanded beauty department including a nail bar and a fancy Coca-Cola Freestyle machine where you can buy one of more than 130 different fountain drinks.

 

Of course the store still focuses on all things health. The Walgreens location includes a state-of-the-art pharmacy featuring an iPad-equipped health guide, private pharmacy consultation rooms and an Express Rx kiosk for quicker checkout.

 

Joe Magnacca, president of the company’s daily living products and solutions, commented on the new store:

 

“This unique urban retailing concept raises the bar for drugstore retailing and sets us apart in our industry. As we transform from a traditional drugstore to a retail health and daily living destination, this store demonstrates how we are a central part of life for many who live and work in this dynamic and thriving community. We look forward to serving them with this new shopping and wellness experience for years to come.” Source: Walgreens

 

I’ll agree with Magnacca; this new store certainly raises the bar for competitors operating across the country. Who knows, perhaps one day all drugstores will look like this luxurious, upscale Walgreens.

 

Photo: Walgreens