NEW YORK — Duane Reade continues to make its mark in Manhattan’s Financial District with the grand opening of another "up market" drug store in the historic American Surety building at 100 Broadway.
The Walgreen Co. drug chain said Monday that the new 22,000-square-foot store at the corner of Broadway and Pine follows up its landmark location at 40 Wall Street, which was opened a year ago, and brings another distinct collection of amenities and exclusive offerings to the drug store format.
For example, the store marks the debut of "up market: chop," a gourmet salad bar concept offering premium greens, artisan cheeses, 30 other toppings and an array of dressings.
And in what Duane Reade called a first for a U.S. drug store, its 100 Broadway outlet features a museum-style exhibit of world-changing events in U.S. history that have been celebrated down historic Broadway, such as the 1960 John F. Kennedy election, the 1946 Winston Churchill era and the 1969 moon walk.
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The 100 Broadway store is close to Duane Reade’s 40 Wall Street flagship location, opened last summer. |
"The concept-forward store design fits the rich innovative structural history of 100 Broadway while incorporating the best ideas of Duane Reade and Walgreens partnering to create a truly unique store experience," Michael De Fazio, senior director of store concepts at Duane Reade, said in a statement. "Intricate salad creations have become the main course for many health-conscious, on-the-go New Yorkers. As part of the Walgreens family of companies, Duane Reade is reinforcing its highly recognizable, urban-localized brand with the opening of this store. Simply put, it’s ‘New York Living Made Easy.’ "
Other new offerings at the 24-hour store include the up market: cafe and Good & Delish self-serve hot soups, designed to provide the time-strapped professionals with an array of healthy lunch and snack options in one location.
The up market: cafe will employ a full-time barista, and coffee drinkers can choose from fresh-brewed drinks, including hot and iced coffee, mocha, espresso and cappuccino. The selection of Good & Delish self-serve soups features eight flavors, such as chicken noodle, split pea with turkey bacon, wild mushroom barley, cream of broccoli and coconut curry chicken.
Duane Reade noted that offerings introduced at its 40 Wall Street flagship stores are also at the 100 Broadway store, including a fresh juice and smoothies bar, a chef-manned fresh sushi station, and a frozen yogurt station. An up market: freezee station rounds out the frozen options, with four ice-cold flavors available daily.
On the pharmacy side, the 100 Broadway store’s "Powered by Walgreens Pharmacy Network" services feature the chain’s format designed to enhance pharmacist accessibility. Unlike with traditional behind-the-counter service, the concept positions pharmacists out front to make it easier to actively engage with customers and encourage consultations.
"This new strategy is a step forward in leveraging the vast knowledge of our pharmacists and making their expertise more accessible to the customer," stated Anthony Riso, senior director of pharmacy operations for Duane Reade. "The Walgreens family pharmacists are highly trained professionals who are well-positioned to coach customers in finding the appropriate medications and providing direction on how to take medication. They can also offer guidance on both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. 100 Broadway will be equipped with a private consultation room and Express Rx kiosks allowing customers to quickly pick up refills and pay."
Duane Reade added that the 100 Broadway store also houses the largest Papyrus greeting card section in downtown Manhattan.
