DEERFIELD, Ill. – Walgreens has entered into an agreement with DHL, an express delivery and logistics company, to offer shipping services in virtually all of its stores. 

The rollout will begin in April in Illinois and Florida and is projected to expand to more than 6,500 locations by the end of calendar 2008. The agreement will more than double the number of retail outlets offering DHL shipping services nationwide, Walgreens announced this week. 

The Walgreens/DHL partnership hopes to bring more convenience to consumers who want to shop and ship in one quick, easy stop without the long lines and hassle often associated with sending off important packages. 

DHL Shipping Spot kiosks at Walgreens photo counters will be staffed by Walgreens employees who will weigh, label and ship customer packages to U.S. or international destinations. Each location will offer packaging materials, in addition to complimentary DHL Express shipping envelopes and boxes. The service will be available whenever the store is open – including 24 hours at more than 1,600 locations.

“We’ve seen strong customer response to DHL in-store shipping in test markets,” said Walgreens executive vice president of marketing George Riedl. “The service addresses an important need for our time-crunched customer base. This new offering will be another powerful addition to our overall strategy of making life easier for customers.”

Walgreens customers will have access to all of DHL’s core services, including overnight, ground, and international delivery. With Walgreens locations in 49 states and Puerto Rico, shippers will have unprecedented access within minutes of home or work to a global network serving more than 225 countries and territories, Walgreens said in a statement.

“DHL’s success partnering with a retailer to offer in-store shipping services has proven that American businesses and consumers want the convenience of shipping where they shop, and Walgreens is the perfect partner,” said Hans Hickler, CEO of DHL Express.