WALGREENS

Rite Aid Wednesday evening outlined the number of tools the company has on hand in the delivery of low-cost, high-cost health and wellness services as it enters a new era featuring a tighter network of stores and a broad selection of diverse health services.

The latest has been reported upon in Walgreens Flu Index. The weekly report which was developed to provide state and market-specific information regarding flu activity has all signs pointing to Texas once again.

For the second week in a row, The Flu Index is reporting that the Lone Star state is holding the top spot for flu activity for the week ending Dec. 16.

Walgreens is catering to last-minute shoppers in more than one way. The Deerfield, Ill.-based company has announced that it will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Aside from extended store hours, customers are encouraged to order gifts and products online by December 20, to guarantee delivery in time for the holiday.

Red Nose Day, the national fundraising campaign to end child poverty, will return to NBC with a night of special primetime programming on Thursday, May 24, 2018, Walgreens announced Wednesday.

Who is today’s shopper? It’s a simple question with a very difficult and complex answer. The fact is that shoppers are difficult to pigeonhole these days. They have access to more information than ever before, and their expectations are changing constantly.

The flu is picking up in Texas, according to the latest Walgreens Flu Index released Wednesday. 

While the data does not measure actual levels or severity of flu activity, the Flu Index provides valuable insight by showing which cities or metropolitan areas are experiencing the most incidences of influenza each week based on Index methodology, the pharmacy retailer stated.

Walgreens is using its popular app to help consumers connect to many brands of fitness trackers outside of the store. The retailer, which is marketing Striiv, its own branded activity tracker, allows members of the company’s Balance Rewards program to also connect through 40 different devices and 27 apps, according to the Walgreen’s website.

Are retail pharmacies late to the party when it comes to the health wearables market?

The booming category, which includes such devices as activity trackers and chronic pain relief devices, offers mass retailers — especially those operating a pharmacy — an opportunity to build sales and profits, not to mention a stronger relationship with consumers seeking answers. But, thus far, it appears that other retailers, as well as the digital marketplace, have outpaced retail pharmacy operators in this category.