Walgreens gets into holiday groove with gift guide

DEERFIELD, Ill. With the holiday season fast approaching, Walgreens is aggressively positioning itself as a holiday shopping destination via its website and a holiday shopping guide it is mailing directly to consumers.

Walgreens is looking to simplify holiday shopping with a gift-finder section on the home page of its website. By clicking on the gift finder, shoppers can browse gift ideas under such categories as For Her, For Him, Romantic, Fitness and Eco-friendly. Shoppers also can sign up to receive special offers and a sneak peek to Black Friday sent directly to their e-mail.

What's even more interesting is that the pharmacy retailer is mailing directly to consumers a holiday shopping guide packed with gift ideas, holiday looks and helpful tips. Nearly all of the gift ideas featured are beauty and personal care products, such as a Gillette Fusion ProGlide gift set, Dove four-piece gift sets and the S by Shakira two-piece gift set. The booklet also features a calendar to simplify holiday planning and highlights "SaturDate with Beauty Exclusively at Walgreens."

For example, the Nov. 20 "SaturDate" — dubbed Fabulous Fragrances & Lovely Lashes — will give shoppers $10 off Curve and Liz Claiborne fragrances, and all Revlon cosmetics are buy one, get one free. The Dec. 4 event — dubbed Gorgeous in the Details — is when Stetson and Celine Dion fragrances and Rimmel mascara will show shoppers that it's the small things that help them step out with big glamour this season.

The holiday shopping guide also features a coupon book offering savings of more than $35.