Walgreens To Debut Upscale Flagship Store In Downtown Chicago (VIDEO)
On Tuesday, Walgreens will open a new, two-story flagship store at the corner of State and Randolph in the heart of Chicago's Loop.
The 27,000-square-foot store, located at 151 N. State St., is where the retailer previously operated a store from 1926 to 2005 before the now-closed Loehmann's anchored the space. It will offer an expanded variety of upscale features far surpassing that of its many smaller locations spread throughout the Chicago area.
According to a statement from the company, the store will feature a state-of-the-art pharmacy complete with an iPad-equipped health guide, a Take Care Clinic, a cafe featuring fresh-brewed coffee and fresh-baked breads and pastries, a juice, sushi and smoothie bar, a selection of more than 700 fine wines and a beauty department that comes complete with nail and eyebrow bars.
"This store brings together our most innovative, forward-thinking initiatives under one stunning roof, and we couldn't be more proud to make its debut in our hometown," Greg Wasson, Walgreens president and CEO said in a statement announcing the store's opening. "Customers will be delighted by a drugstore unlike anything they've ever experienced."
According to Crain's Chicago Business, the flagship model is one the company is looking to expand in the hope that it will increase the chain's front-end sales beyond its pharmacy. A spokesperson for the company confirmed they are evaluating former Borders bookstore sites across the country for such purposes. Plans have already been made public for a two-story Walgreens at the old Borders at 2817 N. Clark St., in Chicago's East Lakeview neighborhood, as CBS Chicago reports.
Both Gov. Pat Quinn and Mayor Rahm Emanuel are expected to appear at the Loop store's grand opening, slated for 5 p.m. Monday, according to NBC Chicago.
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First Posted: 01/09/12 03:10 PM ET Updated: 01/09/12 03:31 PM ET