Welcome to... Walgreens

Hello Bloggers (& Consumers alike!),

This blog is about Walgreens-- and is titled "Welcome to Walgreens" because I will begin to study their corporate practices from the outside, so in a way, I'm welcoming myself, too. As time progresses, I will look into the inner workings of the company and the strategic choices they make which build their reputation and keep them on the Forbes' Top 100 List (#32 this year). For a company that's visible on literally every street corner in the area, I look forward to finding out more about what they do, beyond prescriptions and red-cursive-letter signs.

Walgreens is most often compared to CVS-- originally it was a pharmacy, but its services reach beyond that of an apothecary. The company's stores also features general merchandise, beauty supplies, photo processing, seasonal items, greeting cards, and a small grocery section. The first piece of news to me as I investigate Walgreens is that select stores offer an in-house health clinic for patients older than 18 months, that takes some insurance plans too. Walgreens aims to be a one-stop shopping center with a special emphasis on community wellness.

This company's reputation is standard-- meaning there is nothing that stands out as exceptionally good or bad. This presents the company with an opportunity: to take steps to stand out and differentiate between themselves and the competition. While this can be an opportunity, Walgreens must also realize their "lack" of reputation is simultaneously a challenge to overcome. As I explore this company, I aim to highlight distinguishing characteristics that will set Walgreens apart from the other chain-drugstores.

If anything, Walgreens' accessibility is both a positive and a negative when it comes to their reputation. Because the stores are so prevalent in this area, the store's name is equitable with reliable-- meaning their brand is recognized by consumers, and if looking for a drugstore, Walgreens will pop into mind as a top contender for their business. This is positive for their reputation, and it's good for business. However, Walgreens is a chain, and could be considered by consumers as part of "evil" corporate America. They aren't a personal, neighborhood drugstore, which some consumers may seek in smaller towns. Because of their aggressive expansion, some consumers may resent them. Overall, though, Walgreens is a reputable name in healthcare/beauty supplies, and photo processing as well.

They have the potential to improve their reputation by promoting their outreach initiatives beyond the Sunday paper circulars.

For more information about the services they offer, check out their web site here.