Walgreen Co.

Walgreens is increasing its in-store beauty presence.

Walgreens Boots Alliance had named a successor to chief information officer Abhi Dhar, who announced in February his intent to resign in order to pursue an entrepreneurial venture.   The company has tapped Steve Turner, who currently serves as Walgreens VP service delivery and infrastructure, as VP and chief information officer, effective April 1.    

Walgreens Boots Alliance’s acquisition of Rite Aid is moving closer to getting a green light from the Federal Trade Commission.       The FTC is expected to approve the sale in the next two to four weeks, reported the New York Post, citing two sources close to the situation.   The major sticking point was reportedly the number of Rite Aid stores that need to be divested to Fred’s Pharmacy.      

The much anticipated approval for the Walgreens/Rite Aid merger, through which Walgreens has proposed to pay $9.4 billion for the acquisition of Rite Aid's 4,547 stores in an effort to bolster its national footprint, did not happen by Friday morning as many had speculated.    Now there is a new countdown clock — the deal is set to expire Jan. 27 if not approved before that time.  

FedEx Corp. and Walgreens on Wednesday announced a long-term alliance agreement that will offer convenient access to FedEx dropoff and pickup services at thousands of Walgreens locations across the United States beginning within the next several months.  

Walgreens has joined the ranks of retailers working to get merchandise ordered online into customers’ hands faster.    The drugstore chain has launched a ship-to-store program that offers free shipping to a Walgreens or Duane Reade store for orders made on the chain’s website and mobile app. No minimum purchase is required.    

Walgreens on Tuesday enticed its shoppers with a new loyalty program tied to its beauty department with the launch of Beauty Enthusiast, a beauty club within its Balance Rewards loyalty program. Cardholders who register for Beauty Enthusiast gain additional rewards on beauty and personal care items, as well as other benefits.