Retailers are understandably wondering what consumer behavior will look like as the economy opens up again. Will people venture back to stores and restaurants, or will they still be afraid that they could be exposed to the novel coronavirus? Will those who have tried online shopping for the first time during the early days of
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has a long history of stepping up to meet the needs of customers and patients during challenging or emergency situations, says Lisa Badgley, senior vice president of pharmacy and retail operations. It has continued to closely monitor the COVID-19 outbreak, and work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
DEERFIELD, Ill. — As Walgreens Boots Alliance’s co-chief operating officer, Ornella Barra has an exceptional perspective on developments around the world. In that capacity, she oversees all WBA’s divisions outside of the U.S., including Boots (U.K., Republic of Ireland and Opticians), Retail Pharmacy International, Global Brands and International Wholesale. She is also responsible at global
DEERFIELD, Ill. — As with many industries, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the beauty market forever, says Lauren Brindley, group vice president of beauty and personal care at Walgreens. In the short term, social distancing has created both significant challenges and opportunities, she says. “Retailers and brands are having to rethink their in-store experiences, pivot
DEERFIELD, Ill. — In the convenience channel, greeting cards and gift cards are the primary purchases for everyday gifting occasions such as birthdays, thank you or sympathy presents, says Heather Hughes, Walgreens’ group vice president and general merchandise manager for seasonal, GM and photo. To personalize these purchases, Walgreens has expanded the number of thoughtful
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has experienced a dramatic increase in workload for the entire legal function during the pandemic, says senior vice president and general counsel Elena Kraus. That has meant work for the company has had to be prioritized, as it is an essential business and its greatest priority is supporting customers and field
DEERFIELD, Ill. — All around the world Walgreens Boots Alliance’s teams have moved to working remotely during the lockdown/shelter period, and Annie Murphy, the company’s global chief commercial officer, has been tremendously impressed at how quickly they have adapted. “They have embraced new technology and completely new ways of working while balancing their incredible commitment
DEERFIELD, Ill. — The pandemic has had a significant impact on Kathleen Wilson-Thompson’s work as Walgreens Boots Alliance’s executive vice president and global chief human resources officer. In the U.K., WBA staffed for pharmacy and core health care and spent all of its energy keeping colleagues and customers safe, informed and reassured in these uncertain
NEW YORK — Mass retailers are devising blueprints for how to reopen for business as states rescind shelter-in-place orders issued to slow the transmission of the new coronavirus. While much of the work is geared toward specifying steps stores can take to protect the health of consumers and employees, there’s also a recognition that the
WASHINGTON — Retail sales dropped almost twice as much during April as they did in March, reflecting the first full month when most stores were closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that overall retail sales during April were down 16.4% seasonally adjusted from March and down 21.6% unadjusted year over
NEW YORK — U.S. retail sales continued to endure more record declines as the novel coronavirus pandemic kept Americans at home, putting the economy on track for its biggest contraction in the second quarter since the Great Depression. Retail sales in the United States are expected to fall 5.1% this year, according to the data
MINNEAPOLIS — Target is acquiring assets from Deliv, a startup that partners with retailers and restaurants for same-day delivery service. Target in recent months has been working with Menlo Park, Calif.-based Deliv on test programs. Deliv has technology that intelligently batches orders bound for the same area. Target intends to continue testing the technology to