Walgreens has revealed that it plans to add more fresh food to around 400 of its US stores in so-called urban “food deserts” – areas with limited or no access to fresh food.
The move forms part of the drugstore’s goal to become a one-stop shop for health and daily needs, after successfully adding fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and other items to 10 stores in parts of Chicago where grocery stores are scarce, according to a report by Reuters.
Executives at the company's annual meeting on Wednesday said they see a greater opportunity to expand those types of shops in Chicago and other places across the US over the next several years, aiming to revamp 300 to 500 of the company’s more than 7,600 stores.
“Walgreens is uniquely positioned to meet the health and daily living needs of today’s consumer – from expanded grocery offerings in an urban “food desert,” with limited or no access to fresh food, to prescription and health care services in a medically underserved community, “My Walgreens” is there,” the company said in its annual statement.
“This can be seen in our hometown where, working with the City of Chicago, Walgreens is expanding our grocery offerings to Chicago’s south and west side residents by adding an assortment of fresh food in nearly a dozen stores in these neighborhoods.”
Walgreens said the long and difficult recession has “markedly changed” consumer buying habits, behaviours and attitudes.
In response, the company said it has fine-tuned its merchandising and is enhancing the “look and feel” of its stores, while also adding convenience products such as fresh foods to meet the daily living needs of today’s busy and value-focused consumer.
Separately, Walgreens has announced that Graham W. Atkinson is joining the company as senior vice-president and chief customer experience officer, effective 24 January.
Mr Atkinson will be responsible for developing and leading the company’s loyalty strategies with a specific emphasis on the customer experience. He will report to president CEO Greg Wasson.
The company is also promoting three executives who have made many valuable contributions to Walgreens.
Sona Chawla, currently senior vice president of e-commerce, is promoted to president of e-commerce.
Mia Scholz, currently corporate vice-president of accounting and controller, is promoted to senior vice -resident of accounting and controller.
And Robert Zimmerman, currently vice-president of corporate development, is promoted to senior vice-president and chief strategy officer in recognition of the increasing importance strategy development plays at Walgreens and his contributions leading business development, mergers and acquisitions, strategy development and planning.
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