Taking Drugstores to the Next Level

New Walgreens flagship in in Chicago and redesigned Beverly Hills Rite-Aid showcase sleek designs and fresh food.

June 25, 2014

CHICAGO – A new flagship store for Walgreen — the nation's largest drugstore chain — opened in Chicago’s Wrigley Building this week, complete with sushi, frozen yogurt, made-to-order smoothies, fresh soup and a walk-in freezer filled with craft beers.

Walgreen Co. is opening the 27,800-square-foot, two-level store in the iconic structure's revamped north tower. The store’s pharmacy on the second floor will provide vaccinations and certain health tests, with its clinic staffed by board certified health practitioners.

In a nod to the historic building, the store features ivory marble floors and countertops for eating, terra cotta stone inside and customized radiators to match the historical elements of the Wrigley Building.

“It’s all about creating a differentiated experience,” said Walgreen Chicago Market VP John Grant. “And coupled with the fact that these flagships are unique designs, we have a very high focus on extraordinary customer care.”

The nation’s largest drugstore chain, based in Deerfield, Illinois, plans to shutter 76 unprofitable drug stores by August as part of a plan to save $40 million to $50 million per year beginning in its fiscal 2015. Despite closing some stores, the company, which operates about 8,200 stores across the country, is also focusing on opening more upscale locations, such as the Michigan Avenue location. Similar stores are planned for Miami and San Francisco.

Also this week, Rite Aid celebrated the re-opening of its Beverly Hills, California, location. The fully remodeled store features the latest evolution of the company's highly successful wellness store design.

"Since first introducing our wellness store design in 2011, we've worked tirelessly to ensure our stores provide the products and clinical pharmacy services to deliver on our mission of helping our customers achieve their individual wellness goals," said Rite Aid COO Ken Martindale, in a press release. "[The] store … features our most successful merchandising concepts as well as new innovations, resulting in a one-of-a-kind shopping experience." 

The scope of the Beverly Hills project included a total remodel and enlargement of the pharmacy; a reconfigured check-out area; the redesign of several key departments, including beauty and over-the-counter medicines and first aid; and the addition of a Fresh Day Café and patio area, where customers can enjoy Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf beverages, fresh baked goods, sandwiches and Rite Aid's own Thrifty ice cream.

Other key elements of Rite Aid's wellness store design include an easy-to-navigate layout and clear departmental signage; a relaxing, warm color palette accented by wood tones; and expanded merchandise offerings centered around wellness including gluten-free and organic foods and home fitness equipment. 

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