WALGREENS

NEW YORK — Hurricane Sandy may have shut down lower Manhattan for a few days, but research analyst Ed Kelly of Credit Suisse was bullish on how the storm system may have whipped up front-end sales for pharmacy operators. 

PLANO, Texas — Cracker Jack is celebrating the 100-year anniversary of "a prize in every box" by teaming up with Walgreens stores to give consumers the chance to win a diamond ring valued at $1,000, the company announced Monday. 

DEERFIELD, Ill. — As officials across the East Coast closely monitor the approach of Hurricane Sandy, Walgreens and Duane Reade on Saturday offered several preparation tips to ensure uninterrupted access to prescription medications. 

For evacuees, Walgreens suggested that consumers leave first and refill later at a pharmacy close to their evacuation area. "This allows you to avoid potentially long lines at your local pharmacy, and you won’t needlessly delay your evacuation," Walgreens advised. 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Diabetes Association on Wednesday announced that Walgreens has reaffirmed its commitment as a National Strategic Partner and will continue to help the program Stop Diabetes by supporting the association's Type 2 diabetes prevention initiative for consumers called CheckUp America. 

 DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and the People’s Choice Awards on Thursday announced the drug store’s appointment as the official retail sponsor of the 39th annual People’s Choice Awards.

NEW YORK CITY — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Health Commissioner Thomas Farley received their seasonal flu vaccination Thursday morning at a Duane Reade pharmacy in New York City, demonstrating the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent the spread of influenza.

LONDON — According to published reports, Alliance Boots earlier this week partnered with Jamie Oliver, British chef and media personality known worldwide, to launch a "deli-inspired" lunchtime range of food called Jamie Does Lunch.

"[This] marks the first time the celebrity chef and former Sainsbury's brand ambassador has launched an 'on-the-go' range with a high street retailer," reported Marketing Magazine, which is based here. Like Walgreens in the United States, the U.K. retailer is looking to expand its "fresh" footprint. 

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Nearly one year after launching an initiative to help create more job opportunities for people with disabilities in Connecticut, 62 participants have completed training under the Walgreens Retail Employees with Disabilities Initiative program, the retailer announced on Wednesday.