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HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Walgreen Co.’s 8,000th unit is also its first flagship store on the West Coast. The outlet, at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street here, features the varied, upscale offerings of flagship units in New York and Chicago.
Walgreen Co.’s 8,000th unit is also its first flagship store on the West Coast. The outlet, at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street here, features the varied, upscale offerings of flagship units in New York and Chicago.
"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," said Joe Magnacca, Walgreens president of daily living products and solutions. "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."
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said he was proud that Walgreens chose the area for the landmark store, and was providing Hollywood residents with increased access to pharmacy, health and wellness services. The outlet, in a space formerly occupied by a Borders bookstore, “brings not only a unique retail offering to this community, but also additional jobs and economic investment that help build a vibrant neighborhood,” he commented.
The store’s expanded features include a Look Boutique beauty department with dozens of prestige and niche cosmetic, skin care and hair care brands not typically found in drug stores. As part of it, Britain’s leading skin care brand, No7, created by Boots, is available in a Walgreens store for the first time. The No7 line of antiaging beauty serums, all independently scientifically tested, is internationally acclaimed.
The rollout follows Walgreens’ acquisition in June of a 45% stake in Alliance Boots, the U.K.-based international health and beauty retailer and pharmaceutical wholesaler. Walgreens and Alliance Boots entered into a strategic transaction designed to create the first global pharmacy-led, health and well-being enterprise.
The Look Boutique also has specially trained beauty advisors, including a No7 beauty advisor, offering guidance finding the best solutions for individual needs. Expert shaping and grooming services will be available at the Eyebrow Bar.
The store’s enhanced, state-of-the-art pharmacy is designed to encourage greater interaction between pharmacists and patients.
Team member “health guides” help pharmacy customers navigate a wide range of health and wellness products, services and resources including immunizations and health tests. The department also features an “Ask Your Pharmacist” desk, consultation rooms and Express Rx kiosks for swift checkout.
Among consumables, a wide variety of fresh hand-rolled sushi and sashimi is prepared every day.
An Upmarket Café has a barista preparing fresh brewed premium coffee and espressos, as well as iced and frozen options. A juice and smoothie bar features fresh fruits and vegetables included in 24 recipes. Customers can also enjoy eight flavors of self-serve frozen yogurt and a toppings bar.
Hundreds of fresh food items include produce and high-quality, on-the-go meal options such as wraps, sandwiches and salads made fresh daily.
A best-in-class wine selection boasts more than 700 fine vintages that pair well with the store’s assortment of artisan and brie cheeses as well as specialty meats and chocolates. A Beverage Wizard kiosk provides food and beverage pairing recommendations.
Also, a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine dispenses 130 varieties of Coca-Cola fountain drinks.
Before and after the opening Walgreens conducted a mobile tasting tour, providing samples of its fresh food and refreshments to Los Angelenos. The Walgreens “Up Market: Fresh” experience was brought to consumers via a custom-made, 40-foot bus.
During the store’s ribbon cutting Walgreens acknowledged 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.
