Walgreens (NYSE: WAG)(NASDAQ: WAG) is joining with more than 50 local product partners to supply its first Hawai"˜i drugstore, set to open Nov. 1 at 1488 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu (the former Tower Records site).
"We're committed to offering a broad selection of local products so that from the first day, our customers feel at home in our stores," said Dana Psomas, Walgreens district manager for Hawai"˜i."We're especially proud to have so many local suppliers represented in a store smaller than our typical size. We've learned from our vendors what is important to Hawai"˜i's customers, and that's reflected in our merchandise offerings."
Walgreens is going far beyond using Hawai"˜i-based partners for products that are traditionally supplied locally, such as bread, dairy products, soft drinks and water. Walgreens also is using local partners for product categories that include candy, local snacks, grocery items, automotive needs, souvenirs and greeting cards.
"We're working with our local vendors to develop a true partnership," said Psomas. "Being new to the market, their assistance is invaluable to us. We want to build their product category together and merchandise our stores to the local community, neighborhood by neighborhood."
Walgreens plans to open three additional Hawai"˜i stores in the second half of 2008 and eventually operate 25-30 stores across the state.
Walgreens is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2007 sales of $53.8 billion. The company operates 6,014 stores in 48 states and Puerto Rico.
