Walgreens (NYSE: WAG)(NASDAQ: WAG) will celebrate the grand opening of
its first store in Alaska and its presence in all 50 states on Sunday,
July 12, at the ribbon cutting for its new store in Wasilla, Alaska.
“More than 100 years ago our founder, Charles Walgreen Sr., would remind
his customers, ‘You’re always welcome at Walgreens,’” said Mark Wagner,
Walgreens executive vice president of operations and community
management. “We’re now extending that welcome across the entire country.”
Wagner will join other Walgreens executives to welcome the Alaska
community to the only 24-hour pharmacy in the state. The Wasilla store,
along with two Anchorage locations that will open in August, includes
products from local vendors, including coffee and moose nuggets to ulus
and fishing supplies. All three Walgreens Alaska stores opening this
summer will offer drive-thru pharmacies, as well as heated sidewalks,
heated parking spaces for people with disabilities and heated aprons
around the front doors.
“With an aging population and baby boomers in their 60s, Alaska’s demand
for pharmacy services is growing every year,” said Bruce Philipp,
Walgreens district manager for Alaska. “We’ll help meet that need with
services that aren’t currently offered in the state, such as 24-hour
prescription service and drive-thru pharmacies that are especially
helpful to the elderly, parents of small children and people who have
their pet in the car with them. We even can provide medications for your
pets to make caring for them easier, too.”
Many local Mat-Su Valley and Anchorage residents, including Wasilla
Mayor Verne Rupright and local legislators, will join the community in
the grand opening celebration. Walgreens will present contributions
totaling $5,000 to area charitable organizations.
“Walgreens mission is to provide quality pharmacy and health and
wellness services that are accessible and affordable,” said Wagner. “Our
pharmacists help improve the lives of local residents living with
diabetes, cancer, heart disease and many other health issues.”
Like Walgreens stores in the Lower 48, Alaska stores will feature:
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Pharmacy auto-refill service and prescription label directions in any
of 14 different languages.
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A pharmacy electronically connected to all Walgreens pharmacies across
the country.
