Getting Fresh: Walgreens to Test Chilled Foods
Walgreen will be conducting a test of chilled foods at up to 12 stores this fall as the drugstore retailer mulls a move into the growing fresh foods sector. Walgreen could sell sandwiches, fresh cut fruit, soups and wraps, according to published reports, which also suggest that the trial may involve as many as 50 stores in the Chicago area in September.
Walgreen spokesperson Tiffani Washington confirmed the planned test at the smaller number of stores, and said the fresh food initiative could help the retailer to eventually be seen as a "destination for tonight's meal."
Walgreen spokesperson Tiffani Washington confirmed the planned test at the smaller number of stores, and said the fresh food initiative could help the retailer to eventually be seen as a "destination for tonight's meal."
Like other drugstore chains, many Walgreen stores already sell packaged foods and snacks, but many of these retailers are expanding their selections to fit time-starved shoppers' lifestyles by offering one-stop shopping.
Walgreen hired grocery and convenience store veteran Jim Jensen in January 2010 as its divisional merchandise manager of fresh food. Jensen had worked at Tesco's Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market chain in a similar role, and he also had worked at 7-Eleven as a category manager.