Walgreens takes omnichannel steps in response to coronavirus

Walgreens is enacting new digital and online policies to support customers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The drugstore giant is waiving delivery fees for all eligible prescriptions during the pandemic, there will be free delivery on any online purchase beginning March 13 and until further notice, with no minimum purchase required. In addition, consumers in 14 cities across the U.S. can get a variety of health-and-wellness and other convenience products, delivered to their home from select Walgreens stores via Postmates.

Walgreens is also implementing extra steps in stores. Due to high demand, Walgreens has put into effect purchase limits on certain goods to improve inventory and to help ensure products can be more widely available.

The company also provides Walgreens Pharmacy Chat, a secure platform available 24/7 online and through the Walgreens mobile app, as well as drive-thru purchases of pharmacy and other select products. The Walgreens app and site offer other telehealth services.

“We’re working around the clock to best meet the needs of our customers, patients and in communities we serve, as our role as a trusted health care partner has never been more critical,” said Walgreens president, Richard Ashworth. “Partnering closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other state and local health officials on response efforts, we’re helping to provide our customers with the most up-to-date information, while also supporting their evolving needs during the pandemic.”

Walgreens has provided an initial response donation to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund, including a $100,000 gift to support the overall COVID-19 response and a donation of 1,500 thermometers to be used for local health departments in Santa Clara and Alameda counties in California. Walgreens has launched a dedicated webpage for its customers at walgreens.com/coronavirus.

As of Aug. 31, 2019, Walgreens operates 9,277 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Walgreens also provides specialty pharmacy and mail services and offers in-store clinics and other healthcare services throughout the U.S., most of which are operated by healthcare strategic partners.