DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreen Co. plans to open its 8,000th store — and first West Coast flagship location — tomorrow at the famous corner of Sunset and Vine in Hollywood, Calif.
Walgreens said Friday that the Los Angeles flagship store, slated to open its doors to the public at 10 a.m. on Dec. 1, will also mark the debut of the Boots skin care brand No7 at the drug chain.
"We are thrilled to locate our milestone 8,000th store and latest flagship store at such a famous intersection as we bring a format unlike any traditional drug store to the Hollywood community," Joe Magnacca, president of daily living products and solutions at Walgreens, said in a statement. "Walgreens aims to be America’s first choice for health and daily living, and we look forward to providing an exceptional experience for our customers as we help them get, stay and live well."
The Hollywood store’s LOOK Boutique beauty department will carry dozens of prestige and niche cosmetic, skin care and hair care brands not normally found in drug stores, Walgreens said. That includes Britain’s leading skin care brand, No7, which will be available in a Walgreens store for the first time.
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The Boots No7 skin care brand will make its Walgreens debut at the Hollywood store. |
Created by Boots, No7 is known for its range of anti-aging beauty serums, which are independently scientifically tested. The availability of No7 products at this Walgreens store stems from the chain’s strategic partnership with Alliance Boots, announced in June.
Also on hand at the Hollywood store’s LOOK Boutique will be specially trained beauty advisers, including a No7 beauty adviser, to help customers find solutions for their beauty care needs. Expert shaping and grooming services will also be offered at the Eyebrow Bar.
Other expanded features of the 24-hour Hollywood store include elements seen at Walgreens’ flagship locations in New York City and Chicago, such as the following:
• A variety of fresh, hand-rolled sushi and sashimi prepared daily.
• The Upmarket Cafe, featuring a barista preparing fresh-brewed premium coffee, espresso, and iced and frozen beverage choices
• A juice and smoothie bar with fresh fruit and vegetables offered in 24 recipes, along with eight flavors of self-serve frozen yogurt and a toppings bar.
• Hundreds of fresh food items, including produce and premium, on-the-go meals such as wraps, sandwiches and salads made daily.
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The wine area also includes specialty foods and a "Beverage Wizard" kiosk for recommended food and beverage pairings. |
• A Coca-Cola Freestyle machine that dispenses 130 varieties of Coca-Cola fountain drinks.
• A selection of more than 700 fine wines, which pairs with the store’s assortment of artisan and brie cheeses and specialty meats, chocolates and other offerings. A Beverage Wizard kiosk can recommend food and beverage pairings.
And as in Walgreens’ other flagship sites and "Well Experience" format stores, the Hollywood store will have an enhanced pharmacy layout to promote more interaction between patients and pharmacists. An "Ask Your Pharmacist" desk brings the pharmacist out in front of the pharmacy counter, and consultation rooms enable private discussion with patients. Express Rx kiosks also enable quick checkout for prescription pickup.
In addition, "health guides" are available to help pharmacy customers navigate a wide range of health and wellness products, services and resources, including immunizations and health tests.
"I’m very proud that Walgreens has chosen Los Angeles for its milestone 8,000th store and is providing Hollywood residents with more access to pharmacy, health and wellness services," stated Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "This flagship location brings not only a unique retail offering to this community but also additional jobs and economic investment that help build a vibrant neighborhood."
As part of the flagship and 8,000th store ribbon-cutting ceremony, Walgreens also will acknowledge World AIDS Day and the company’s involvement in treating and preventing HIV/AIDS by presenting a $10,000 donation to Charles Drew University in recognition of its HIV-related programming and outreach.
