Walgreens unveils Wrigley Building flagship location
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday morning celebrated the opening of a new two-story, flagship drugstore in the north tower of Chicago’s iconic Wrigley Building.
Assisted by 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly, representatives from the Magnificent Mile Association, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and others, Walgreens executives marked the 27,800-sq.-ft. store’s opening with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at 9 a.m.
The location at 410 N. Michigan Ave. in the landmark building is the company’s 14th flagship store, and the third in Chicago. A unique design, the store’s gradient color pattern and indirect lighting features complement the building’s exterior. A mosaic floor motif of the building’s famous clock welcomes customers as they enter off of Michigan Avenue.
“We are very excited to open a Walgreens flagship store in the Wrigley Building, bringing together two iconic names in Chicago business,” said Mark Wagner, president of operations and community management for Walgreens. “The store will serve as a destination for health and daily living that offers our customers an exceptional experience.”
“I want to congratulate Walgreens for opening yet another flagship destination store here in downtown Chicago’s 42nd Ward,” said Ald. Reilly. “The City of Chicago recently designated the Wrigley Building as a Chicago Landmark, and this iconic structure has just undergone an exciting redevelopment that features Walgreens as an anchor retailer on Michigan Avenue. On behalf of the City Council, I want to thank Walgreens for continuing to bring investment and jobs to Chicago. By marrying two of Chicago’s iconic brands — Walgreens and Wrigley — under one landmark roof, I know this store will enjoy great success here, on Michigan Avenue.”
The store follows Walgreens Well Experience format, in which every aspect of the store focuses on the idea of “well.” The first floor of the store features an Upmarket Café, including a made-to-order juice, smoothie and milkshake bar; made-fresh daily hand-rolled sushi and sashimi; a large selection of produce; and such high-quality, on-the-go meal options as wraps, soup, sandwiches and salads. Customers also can enjoy a self-serve frozen yogurt and Icee station.
The store also features a walk-in cooler with a wide selection of craft beers and a large selection of wines complemented by an assortment of cheese and crackers. The pink glow of the Look Boutique greets patrons on the second floor, offering an expanded selection of skin care, hair care and cosmetics, including products from Boots No7. Shoppers can even take in a 180-degree view of the Magnificent Mile while perusing the selection of Chicago souvenirs.
Central to the store is the pharmacy, where the pharmacist is made accessible to provide more counseling and services to patients by working in front of the pharmacy counter to foster pharmacist-patient relationships. The pharmacy features an Express Rx pickup kiosk to allow customers to quickly pick up and pay for their refill prescriptions and a private health room for counseling and services, including immunizations and health tests. The store also offers a Healthcare Clinic, staffed by board-certified family nurse practitioners — no appointment necessary.
Chicago-based firm Camburas & Theodore LTD provided the design and lighting of the store’s interior. As Walgreens developed its Well Experience stores to step out of the traditional drug store format, the company has collaborated with Jackman Reinvention on in-store branding.
The store also features Web Pickup, which allows customers to shop online at Walgreens.com and pick up their order at the store.