October Sales Rise at Walgreens

Deerfield, Ill. Walgreens reported Tuesday that October sales of $5.16 billion were up 6.8% over the same period in 2007 when sales were $4.83 billion. Same-store sales rose 2.0% for the month, led by a 2.8% in same-store pharmacy sales vs. a marginal 0.4% increase in front-end sales.

Pharmacy sales made up 66.5% of Walgreens’ total October sales.

Total prescriptions filled at stores open more than one year decreased 0.4% in October. Factors that have negatively impacted pharmacy sales include the introduction of generic drugs in recent months, as well as the transition from prescription to over-the-counter status for Zyrtec. However, the change in status for Zyrtec had a positive impact on front-end sales.

For the calendar year, Walgreens sales are up 9.6% over 2007, at $49.5 billion vs. $45.1 billion. For the retailer’s current fiscal year, which began Sept. 1, total sales are up 8.3% and same-store sales have increased 3.2%.

In October, Walgreens opened 71 stores, including seven relocations, and acquired one store. At the end of the month, the company has 7,035 locations in 49 states.