Walgreens Rival Pounces During Strike

Chicago, Rival drug-dispenser Jewel-Osco decided to strike while the iron was hot. After labor problems led to a strike by some 400 Chicago-area Walgreens pharmacists last night, the Albertson’s Inc.-owned chain of 200+ Osco drug stores in Chicago launched a print advertising campaign, luring Walgreens prescription-holders to move their business to Osco.

Walgreens has enjoyed a 54% market share in the Chicago area; Albertson’s share is about 30%.