Kroger, Walgreens partner to pilot new store format

10/2/2018
Kroger Co. and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. have joined forces to test a new store format that brings together their core offerings.

The two retailers are launching an “exploratory” format at 13 Walgreens stores in Northern Kentucky, near Kroger’s Cincinnati headquarters. Customers will be able to order Kroger grocery items online and pick up the orders at the participating Walgreens locations.

In addition, grocery items from Our Brands, Kroger's private-label line, will also be available in-store at participating Walgreens locations. The diversified shopping assortment will complement Walgreens products and services across health and wellness, pharmacy and beauty, the companies said.

"This concept brings together the best of two great brands to rethink convenience and redefine the way America shops for food," said Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen.

Kroger and Walgreens said they would conduct the pilot over the next several months, listening to customer feedback.

“This innovative new concept is an opportunity to test and learn, as we determine how we can best work together to further elevate our customer offering,” said Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance. “We continue to evolve our offerings to meet the changing needs of our customers and provide a more differentiated shopping experience. We’ve been implementing new approaches to promotions, product selection and other areas to deliver greater value in our stores.”

Initially, Kroger and Walgreens will develop and test a one-stop shopping experience where customers can access products and services from both companies. Customers will be able to order Kroger grocery items online and pickup orders at the participating Walgreens locations. Kroger's popular Our Brands grocery items, including America's largest natural and organic brand, Simple Truth, will also be available in-store at participating Walgreens locations. The diversified shopping assortment will complement Walgreens products and services across health and wellness, pharmacy and beauty.

"This innovative new concept is an opportunity to test and learn, as we determine how we can best work together to further elevate our customer offering," said Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. "We continue to evolve our offerings to meet the changing needs of our customers and provide a more differentiated shopping experience. We've been implementing new approaches to promotions, product selection and other areas to deliver greater value in our stores."
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