Walgreens to Test ‘Kroger Express’ Shops in 13 Stores
Walgreens is set to expand its partnership with Kroger and test branded "Kroger Express" grocery shops inside stores, CNBC reports. The companies announced a partnership back in October, and Walgreens began selling the grocer's products in 13 stores. The expansion will roll out across these same drug store locations in Northern Kentucky, offering shoppers up to 2,300 Kroger products. The partnership also allows customers to order Kroger items online and pick up the products at Walgreens. In addition, the grocer has stocked its Home Chef meal kits in dozens of Chicago Walgreens locations.
Total Retail's Take: This expansion between Walgreens and Kroger comes as no surprise as pharmacy chains look for more ways to attract consumers past household goods. Grocery retailers also face increased pressures to compete against Amazon's Whole Foods (among other online grocers) and remain convenient for consumers. Walgreens and Kroger's partnership hopes to see customers choosing the drug store chain as a place to complete all of their shopping needs, from picking up prescriptions, shampoo, and dinner all in one stop. Online ordering is increasingly popular among shoppers, particularly for groceries, and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers offering innovative options such as buy online, pick up in-store are looking to keep pace with competition.
Kristina Stidham is the digital content director at Total Retail and sister brands Women in Retail Leadership Circle and Women Leading Travel & Hospitality at NAPCO Media. She is passionate about digital media and handles video, podcast and virtual event production for all brands. You can often find her at WIRLC, TR, WLT&H or industry events with her camera and podcasting equipment—or at home on Zoom—recording interviews with thought leaders and business executives.
Kristina holds a B.A. in Media Studies and Production from the Temple University Klein College of Media and Communication in Philadelphia. Go Owls! When she's not in the office, she loves to go on long walks, sing around the house, hangout with her family and two pet guinea pigs, and travel to new places.
