NEW YORK — Walgreen Co. this weekend unveiled another flagship store location, this time in the biggest spot in the Big Apple.
On Saturday, Walgreens officially opened the doors to its store in Empire State Building, New York City’s tallest building.
The grand opening marked the second flagship store to open over the past several days. On Thursday, Walgreens held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new flagship store in Washington, D.C.
"We are extremely pleased to provide another revolutionary store that demonstrates how Walgreens is transforming daily living, pharmacy and health care experiences nationwide," Mark Wagner, president of operations and community management at Walgreens, said in a statement. "Walgreens’ innovative products and services support our commitment to help our customers get, stay and live well."
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Incorporating elements of the drug store chain’s "Well Experience" store format, the 24-hour Empire State Building store features an enhanced designed to encourage greater interaction between pharmacists and patients. A health guide, armed with an iPad, helps pharmacy customers navigate a wide range of health and wellness products, as well as health services such as vaccinations and health.
The pharmacy also includes an "Ask Your Pharmacist" desk, private consultation rooms and Express Rx kiosks for quick, self-serve checkout.
The Look Boutique beauty department houses dozens of prestige and niche cosmetic, skin care and hair care brands not ususually found in drug stores, Walgreens noted.
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Cutting the ribbon at the Empire State Building store grand opening were (left to right) Skip Bourdo, Walgreens market VP for New York/Connecticut; former New York City Council Speaker Peter Vallone; Jerry Telson, Walgreens district manager; and Jason Cox, Walgreens store manager. |
Beauty advisers are available to help customers find the best solutions for their needs. Also available are expert shaping and grooming services at the Eyebrow Bar.
And as at Walgreens’ other flagship sites, the Empire State Building store serves up hundreds of fresh food items, including produce and a broad selection of on-the-go meal options such as wraps, sandwiches and salads made fresh daily. Customers can get fresh brewed coffee, pastries, doughnuts and bagels at the Upmarket Cafe, as well as check out an assortment of customary beer and select local brews.
There’s also a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine dispensing 130 varieties of fountain drinks plus a self-serve frozen yogurt station with a toppings bar.
The Empire State Building adds to Walgreens’ base of landmark Manhattan locations, including Duane Reade stores at 40 Wall Street and 100 Broadway as well as a Walgreen store in Times Square.
More recently, Walgreens has opened flagship stores in Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Puerto Rico.
