Walgreens makes it easier for customers to shop without leaving their cars

Walgreens has expanded drive-thru shopping in an effort to promote social distancing amid the COVID-19 crisis. 

The drugstore retailer is expanding the assortment at its 7,300-plus pharmacy drive-thrus from prescription to include more than 60 front-end products. The assortment features specifically selected household essentials such as cleaning supplies and sanitizers, over-the-counter products such as cough/cold, pain/fever and immunity support, grocery items, infant formula/adult nutrition, medical supplies, first aid and paper goods.

Customers confirm product availability at the pharmacy drive-thru window. Availability and quantity restrictions apply. When there are no lines at the drive-thru, Walgreens pharmacy technicians are prepared to provide customers these items on the spot. In the event there are multiple vehicles in line, customers may be asked to drive back around and will be provided a wait time to return to pick up their items.

“We are working around the clock to support our customers and patients, who are relying on us more now than ever before,” said Lisa Badgley, senior VP of pharmacy and retail operations at Walgreens. “We’re continuing to quickly introduce new and different ways to meet customers’ needs for greater convenience during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also promoting social distancing as one of the most important preventive measures we can take. We also ask that customers be patient as we work to provide this new and expanded service, as there may be wait times given current demand.”

Other recent steps Walgreens has taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic include offering Walgreens Pharmacy Chat, a secure platform available 24/7 online and through the Walgreens mobile app, free delivery on any online purchase until further notice, and opening a drive-thru coronavirus testing site in partnership with the federal government.

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 health care services throughout the U.S., most of which are operated by health care strategic partners.