WALGREENS

LAS VEGAS — Walgreens’ increasing use of mobile technology platforms is transforming the way the company reaches patients and is expanding its ability to deliver health services via smart phones and other devices, a Walgreens official asserted Friday.

Speaking at the opening of the Consumer Electronics Show’s Digital Health Summit this morning, Walgreens chief medical officer Cheryl Pegus laid out the ways the health services and retail pharmacy giant is leveraging technology to make personal health management easier for patients.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Take Care Health Systems, which is owned by Walgreens and currently operates more than 370 worksite clinics nationwide, has officially announced the opening of a new on-site medical center at Intel's Jones Farm Campus in Hillsboro, Ore.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Shortly after announcing a record-setting first quarter last month, Walgreens reported on Wednesday that its December sales rose 7.5% to $6.8 billion.

The chain said that Duane Reade stores, which Walgreens acquired in April 2010, contributed 2.5 percentage points.

Meanwhile, Walgreens also raked in a 9.5% increase for its total front-end sales, thanks to a spike in customer traffic and basket size. Pharmacy sales for the chain, which accounted for 58.6% of total sales for the month, saw a 6% boost.

Pharmacists who intervene with diabetes patients are having a clear and positive impact on clinical outcomes, a new study from Walgreens found.


In a presentation last month, two Walgreens healthcare leaders unveiled the results of a groundbreaking pilot project on pharmacy-based diabetic care. Walgreens launched the project, called Dimensions, at its worksite pharmacies in 2008.

PINE BLUFF, Ark. — USA Drug grew up in Arkansas, home turf of Walmart. But to characterize the 140-unit drug store operator as David to Walmart’s Goliath doesn’t do justice to this feisty retail innovator, which wields plenty of clout across the nation’s midsection, under a variety of store banners.


HILLSBORO, Ore. — Intel is helping its employees gain convenient access to health care with the opening this week of an on-site medical center at its Jones Farm Campus in Hillsboro, which will be operated by Walgreens' Take Care Health Systems, according to local news reports.

Later this year, Intel is looking to open a second worksite medical clinic at is Ronler Acres Campus, according to reports.

NEW YORK — Credit Suisse analysts on Monday projected strong front-end sales and improved pharmacy comparisons for December.

“Industry front-end sales growth will accelerate in December on easier comparisons and increased promotional activity,” Credit Suisse research analyst Edward Kelly noted. “Sales last year were negatively impacted by low levels of seasonal inventory (especially at Walgreens) and unusually soft flu activity after an early start to the season,” he added.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — Everyone likes to be proven right. And Walgreens' leaders are justifiably proud of the company’s record performance in first quarter fiscal 2011.

(THE NEWS: Walgreens drives accelerating renewal program. For the full story, click here)