Walgreens reopens most stores in Chicago, Twin Cities 

Walgreens has reopened the majority of its stores in Chicago and the Twin Cities area that were damaged during the unrest that followed in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis.

In Chicago, the company has 100 of its 118 area stores up and running. And 107 of its 113 stores in Minneapolis-St. Paul are open with regular business hours. 

“Our commitment to the communities we serve is at the heart of everything we do, and especially now, we’re taking every step possible to reopen stores quickly, and to help ensure customers and patients have access to the medications and other essentials they need,” said Rob Ewing, Walgreens regional VP.

Walgreens said that in the past week it has worked as quickly as possible to repair the 75 Chicago stores and 25 Twin Cities locations that had been damaged. 

As some locations in the two metro areas remain closed, the company said it would be setting up temporary operations to provide pharmacy services. In Minneapolis, the company has opened two temporary pharmacies, and has opened one in Chicago, with another on the way. 

Additionally, Walgreens has been contacting patients whose regular store may be impacted to assist with prescription needs, prescription delivery options and resources to direct individuals to nearby open stores.  It has reached out to patients requiring high-touch care to offer individualized support and solutions for their medication and healthcare needs. The company also highlighted that its 24/7 Pharmacist Chat feature is available on its mobile app and website, having recently expanded the feature to include video chat with pharmacists. 

In both metro areas, Walgreens will kick off a 30-day discount on June 14, offering a 20% in-store discount at previously closed stores as they reopen. It will be applied to regularly priced items. Based on zip code, the retailer also is offering a 10% discount on regularly priced items online, as well as free shipping. It also is increasing its inventory of grocery essentials in the stores near grocery stores that may be temporarily closed.