Overview

Walgreens is an American pharmacy and health-and-wellness retail chain founded in Chicago in 1901 by pharmacist Charles Rudolph Walgreen. From its origins as a neighborhood drugstore, the company developed a large national network combining prescription dispensing, clinical and immunization services, over-the-counter medicines, beauty and personal-care products, household merchandise, convenience items, and photo services. Its traditional store format emphasized accessible corner locations, drive-through pharmacies, and extended operating hours, although the chain has also operated larger stores and urban multi-floor locations. The company expanded substantially during the twentieth century through organic growth and acquisitions. Its early growth was supported by standardized store operations, proprietary drug products, and popular food-service items such as malted milkshakes. Walgreens reached hundreds of stores by the 1930s and later introduced larger superstore formats, barcode scanning, discount retailing, clinics, digital commerce, and same-day or prescription-delivery services. It acquired or integrated several regional operators, including Happy Harry's, Duane Reade, Drugstore.com, Kerr Drug, and the USA Drug family of banners. It also operated outside the conventional pharmacy format at different times, including the Wag's restaurant chain and the Globe Discount City business. Walgreens entered a major strategic phase in the 2010s. In 2012 it acquired a 45 percent interest in Alliance Boots, a Switzerland- and United Kingdom-based pharmacy and health-products group. Walgreens bought the remaining interest in 2014, creating Walgreens Boots Alliance. Walgreens became the principal U.S. retail pharmacy subsidiary while the new parent company retained a U.S. headquarters and traded on Nasdaq under the WBA symbol. The transaction broadened the group internationally and added pharmacy, beauty, wholesale, and consumer-health capabilities, while also prompting public debate about the possibility of a tax-inversion structure. During the 2020s Walgreens faced pressure from changing prescription economics, reimbursement disputes, labor shortages, staffing and safety concerns, competition from CVS, supermarkets, online retailers, and health-care providers, and declining performance in parts of its store portfolio. The company expanded vaccination and testing services during the COVID-19 period, but several medication and vaccine-administration errors drew scrutiny. It also faced political and legal controversy over abortion medication, opioid distribution, controlled-substance compliance, alleged billing and pricing practices, and other operational matters. Walgreens announced substantial store closures and a plan to evaluate roughly one quarter of its U.S. locations for possible closure as it sought to reshape its retail footprint. In 2025 Walgreens Boots Alliance agreed to be acquired by private-equity firm Sycamore Partners. The transaction ended Walgreens Boots Alliance's period as a publicly traded company and left Walgreens operating as a private-company subsidiary. Walgreens remains principally a U.S. pharmacy retailer, with its identity centered on prescription care, everyday health products, immunizations, and convenient neighborhood access.

History

Walgreens began in 1901 when Charles Rudolph Walgreen purchased a small Chicago store where he had worked as a pharmacist. The business initially combined prescription dispensing with general merchandise and eventually developed its own branded drug products. By 1913 it had four stores, reached 20 stores by 1919, and expanded beyond Chicago during the 1920s. Prescription whiskey sales during Prohibition contributed to the period's growth, while the company's malted-milk and ice-cream offerings helped make stores social and convenience destinations. Walgreens expanded to hundreds of stores before the Great Depression and operated 601 stores in 30 states by 1934. After Charles Walgreen's death in 1939, leadership passed to his son, Charles R. Walgreen Jr. The company later modernized under Charles R. Walgreen III, introducing larger store formats and barcode scanning. Walgreens purchased Sanborns in Mexico in 1946, later selling the business in 1982. It also experimented with discount retail through Globe Discount City and operated Wag's family restaurants, most of which were sold in 1988 before the restaurant chain disappeared in the early 1990s. In 1986 Walgreens acquired the MediMart chain. The company accelerated its acquisitions and service expansion in the twenty-first century. It bought Happy Harry's in 2006 and Take Care Health Systems in 2007, adding regional pharmacy locations and quick-care clinics. Duane Reade was acquired in 2010, strengthening Walgreens' New York presence, and Drugstore.com was purchased in 2011 to expand online retail. Walgreens also acquired the USA Drug group and Kerr Drug. Its attempted 2013 purchase of Canada's Shoppers Drug Mart did not proceed; Loblaw Companies ultimately acquired that business. Walgreens' most consequential transaction was its purchase of Alliance Boots. The company acquired 45 percent of Alliance Boots in 2012 and the remaining interest in 2014. The resulting Walgreens Boots Alliance combined Walgreens' U.S. retail network with Alliance Boots' international pharmacy, wholesale, beauty, and health-products operations. Walgreens remained the main U.S. retail banner. The structure prompted controversy over a possible move of corporate domicile and tax-inversion concerns, although the combined company retained its headquarters in the Chicago area. Walgreens continued to adjust its portfolio after the combination. It closed Drugstore.com and Beauty.com in 2016 to concentrate digital activity on Walgreens.com, acquired a large package of Rite Aid stores in 2017 after regulatory review, and continued to develop pharmacy, immunization, testing, clinic, and digital-prescription services. The company was also drawn into disputes concerning Medicaid reimbursement, Express Scripts, controlled-substance distribution, alleged fraud, pricing, labor practices, and pharmacy licensing. The COVID-19 era expanded Walgreens' role in vaccination and testing but also exposed operational pressures. Incorrect vaccine-administration incidents involving children in 2021 prompted criticism. A 2022 decision to remove task-based pharmacy metrics reflected concerns that productivity targets could conflict with patient safety. In 2023, Walgreens' decision to dispense mifepristone at selected certified locations became a major political and legal flashpoint. By 2023 and 2024 Walgreens was announcing store closures and warning that a substantial share of its U.S. locations were underperforming. The business faced reduced prescription reimbursement, retail competition, changing consumer behavior, staffing challenges, and pressure to improve pharmacy economics. In 2025 Walgreens Boots Alliance agreed to a Sycamore Partners acquisition. Completion of the transaction ended the parent's publicly traded status and placed Walgreens under private ownership, while the Walgreens brand continued as a U.S.-focused pharmacy retailer.

2025
Private-equity acquisition completed
[1]Walgreensen.wikipedia.org
Sycamore Partners completes the acquisition of Walgreens Boots Alliance, taking the company private.
2024
Large-scale closure review announced
[1]Walgreensen.wikipedia.org
Walgreens identifies roughly 25 percent of U.S. stores as underperforming and subject to possible closure.
2022
Task-based pharmacy metrics are dropped
[1]Walgreensen.wikipedia.org
Walgreens removes task-based performance measures amid patient-safety concerns.
2017
Rite Aid store acquisition approved
[1]Walgreensen.wikipedia.org
The FTC approves Walgreens' purchase of 1,932 Rite Aid stores.
2014
Walgreens Boots Alliance is formed
[1]Walgreensen.wikipedia.org
Walgreens acquires the remaining Alliance Boots interest and becomes a subsidiary of the new holding company.
2012
Alliance Boots investment
[1]Walgreensen.wikipedia.org
Walgreens purchases a 45 percent interest in Alliance Boots.
2011
Drugstore.com acquisition
[1]Walgreensen.wikipedia.org
Walgreens purchases Drugstore.com for its online retail capabilities.
2010
Duane Reade acquisition
[1]Walgreensen.wikipedia.org
Walgreens acquires Duane Reade, strengthening its New York metropolitan footprint.
2006
Happy Harry's acquisition
[1]Walgreensen.wikipedia.org
Walgreens acquires Happy Harry's stores in the Mid-Atlantic region.
1986
MediMart acquisition
[1]Walgreensen.wikipedia.org
Walgreens acquires the MediMart chain from Stop & Shop.
1946
Sanborns acquisition
[1]Walgreensen.wikipedia.org
Walgreens purchases Sanborns, a major Mexican pharmacy and department-store chain.
1934
National expansion
[1]Walgreensen.wikipedia.org
Walgreens operates 601 stores in 30 states.
1919
Chain reaches 20 stores
[1]Walgreensen.wikipedia.org
The growing company reaches 20 locations after expanding across Chicago.
1901
Walgreens is founded in Chicago
[1]Walgreensen.wikipedia.org
Charles Rudolph Walgreen purchases a small Chicago drugstore and establishes the business that becomes Walgreens.

Products and positioning

Mass-market, neighborhood-accessible pharmacy and health retail with a broad convenience assortment.

Pharmacy services · 1901
Prescription pharmacy
The core Walgreens offering is community prescription dispensing, including new prescriptions, refills, medication pickup, and digital prescription management. Many locations also provide drive-through service and other convenience features. Pharmacy operations are supported by a broad store network and are central to Walgreens' identity as a neighborhood health retailer.
Healthcare services
Immunization and health services
Walgreens provides vaccinations and other health-related services through its pharmacy network. Its service portfolio has included routine immunizations, seasonal influenza vaccination, COVID-19 vaccination and testing, and selected clinical or quick-care services developed through acquisitions and partnerships.
Health products
Over-the-counter health products
Stores sell nonprescription medicines and a wide range of health products, including pain relievers, cold and allergy treatments, digestive-health products, first-aid supplies, vitamins, supplements, and personal medical-care items. The category supports Walgreens' role as a convenient destination for everyday health needs.
Beauty retail
Beauty and personal care
Walgreens carries cosmetics, skincare, hair-care products, toiletries, and other personal-care merchandise. Beauty has been an important front-of-store category and has also been supported by digital retail initiatives, although the separate Beauty.com site was later closed as the company concentrated on Walgreens.com.
Photo services
Photo services
Walgreens offers photo printing and related personalized products through stores and online ordering. Services have included prints and other consumer photo merchandise, using the chain's local retail presence for pickup and convenience.
General merchandise
Convenience and household merchandise
The traditional Walgreens store assortment includes snacks, beverages, seasonal goods, household supplies, greeting cards, and other convenience merchandise. Product selection varies by location and local regulations, with some stores also selling alcohol or tobacco where permitted.

Controversies

2026
Walgreens reaches settlement over Aaron Carter prescriptions
Aaron Carter's estate reached a settlement with Walgreens over wrongful death claims concerning prescriptions filled before Carter's death in 2022. The dispute centered on prescriptions that the estate alleged were filled by Walgreens, and the settlement resolves those claims between the estate and the pharmacy chain. The event was reported on October 21, 2026.
Source
2026
Iowa pharmacy board fines two Walgreens stores
The Iowa Board of Pharmacy fined two Walgreens stores in Iowa $1,000 each and ordered them to develop new policies. The board alleged negligence and failures related to temporary pharmacy closures, including inadequate notice that delayed customers' access to medications.
Source
2023
Mifepristone political controversy
Walgreens' certification to dispense mifepristone produced protests, legal and political pressure, and criticism after the company indicated it would not sell the medication in states where attorneys general warned against distribution.
Source
2021
Opioid-crisis public-nuisance finding
A federal jury found Walgreens and other pharmacy chains had substantially contributed to the opioid crisis in litigation concerning opioid distribution.
Source
2021
Incorrect pediatric vaccine administration
Two reported incidents involved children receiving adult COVID-19 vaccine doses instead of influenza vaccines at Walgreens locations. The incidents caused illness in some recipients and generated criticism of pharmacy procedures.
Source
2021
Pharmatech sues Walgreens over consignment contract
Pharmatech filed a complaint against Walgreens in the Southern District of California, alleging material breach of a consignment sale contract. Pharmatech also alleges that Walgreens failed to pay for units sold during the notice period and returned unsold, damaged products.
Source
2021
Former employee sues Walgreens over alleged employment violations
A former Walgreens employee, Cristie Robbins, filed a lawsuit accusing the retailer of violating the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Kentucky Pregnant Workers Act, as well as retaliation and gender discrimination. The case was removed to federal court on Friday. The filing identifies Robbins as the former employee bringing the claims against Walgreens; the allegations described are those asserted in the lawsuit.
Source
2021
Lawsuit over Xulane birth control patch
A patient filed a lawsuit against Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Mylan Technologies, and Walgreen Co. concerning the Xulane birth control patch. The claims included product liability, negligence, breach of warranty, and failure to warn. According to the report, the case was removed from an Illinois state court to federal court on the Friday before the article's publication.
Source
2021
Walgreens sued over alleged wrongful termination
Walgreens was sued by former employee Madelaine Esquibel, who alleged that the company violated California employment laws and wrongfully terminated her after she requested pregnancy-related accommodations. These are allegations in the complaint.
Source
2021
Optinetix sues Walgreens over mobile app patent
Optinetix Inc. filed suit against Walgreens Co. in the Eastern District of Texas, alleging that Walgreens knowingly infringed its patented technology by incorporating it into the Walgreens mobile app. The allegations are claims by the plaintiff, not a court finding.
Source

Brand decisions

2025
Accept Sycamore Partners acquisitionM&A
Background
Walgreens Boots Alliance explored a transaction to address strategic and financial pressure and transition away from public ownership.
Action taken
The company finalized its acquisition by Sycamore Partners and became privately held.
Aftermath
The deal ended Walgreens Boots Alliance's public listing and left Walgreens operating under private-equity ownership.
Source
2024
Review underperforming storesStrategy
Background
Walgreens faced reimbursement pressure, retail competition, changing consumer behavior, and weak performance at a substantial portion of its store base.
Action taken
The company said it would close a significant portion of U.S. locations over three years and evaluate roughly 25 percent of stores for closure.
Aftermath
The announcement marked a major effort to resize and reorganize the U.S. retail network.
Source
2023
Begin limited mifepristone dispensingStrategy
Background
FDA regulatory changes allowed certified retail pharmacies to dispense mifepristone, and Walgreens announced an intention to participate.
Action taken
After certification, Walgreens began offering the medication at selected locations, while declining to sell it in states where it faced contrary legal warnings.
Aftermath
The policy generated protests, criticism from abortion-rights advocates, and a reported decision by California to stop doing business with Walgreens.
Source
2022
Remove task-based pharmacy metricsStrategy
Background
Pharmacy workers and observers raised concerns that speed and task targets could undermine patient safety and service quality.
Action taken
Walgreens dropped task-based performance metrics for pharmacy staff.
Aftermath
The change reflected a shift toward balancing productivity expectations with dispensing accuracy and patient care.
Source
2016
Consolidate online retailStrategy
Background
Walgreens sought to simplify its digital business and focus investment on its principal brand website.
Action taken
It announced the closure of Drugstore.com and Beauty.com and redirected emphasis to Walgreens.com.
Aftermath
The decision concentrated online pharmacy, health, beauty, and general merchandise activity under the Walgreens name.
Source
2014
Complete Alliance Boots combinationM&A
Background
Walgreens pursued full ownership after its initial minority investment in Alliance Boots.
Action taken
Walgreens purchased the remaining 55 percent interest and became a subsidiary of Walgreens Boots Alliance.
Aftermath
The transaction created a multinational pharmacy and health-products group while Walgreens continued as its U.S. retail banner.
Source
2012
Invest in Alliance BootsM&A
Background
Walgreens sought broader international scale and access to Alliance Boots' pharmacy, wholesale, beauty, and health-product businesses.
Action taken
It paid $6.7 billion for a 45 percent interest in Alliance Boots.
Aftermath
The investment was followed by the 2014 acquisition of the remaining interest and creation of Walgreens Boots Alliance.
Source

Recent events

Unconfirmed
Reported2026.11.02
Iowa pharmacy board fines two Walgreens stores[9]Iowa pharmacy board fines two Walgreens storesktiv.com
The Iowa Board of Pharmacy fined two Walgreens stores in Iowa $1,000 each and ordered them to develop new policies. The board alleged negligence and failures related to temporary pharmacy closures, including inadequate notice that delayed customers’ access to medications.
2026.10.21
Reported2026.10.22
Walgreens reaches settlement over Aaron Carter prescriptions[4]Walgreens reaches settlement over Aaron Carter prescriptionsrollingstone.com
Aaron Carter's estate reached a settlement with Walgreens over wrongful death claims concerning prescriptions filled before Carter's death in 2022.
2026.10
Reported2026.10.22
Walgreens reaches settlement in wrongful death lawsuit[5]Walgreens reaches settlement over Aaron Carter prescriptionsvice.com
Aaron Carter’s family reached a settlement with Walgreens and Santa Monica Medical Plaza Pharmacy in a wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of Carter’s son. The family had claimed that Walgreens willingly overprescribed medications to Carter; the settlement terms were confidential.
2022.02.25
Reported2022.02.25
Shipt partners with Walgreens and 7-Eleven for same-day delivery[21]Shipt 与 Walgreens 和 7-Eleven 合作提供当日配送supermarketnews.com
Shipt announced partnerships with Walgreens and 7-Eleven to offer customers same-day delivery of products from both retailers through the Shipt marketplace. The article says the retailers’ offerings were available that week.
Unconfirmed
Reported2021.11.29
Lawsuit over Xulane birth control patch[10]Lawsuit over Xulane birth control patchlawstreetmedia.com
A patient sued Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Mylan Technologies, and Walgreen Co. over alleged product liability, negligence, breach of warranty, and failure to warn concerning the Xulane birth control patch. The article says the case was removed from an Illinois state court to federal court the previous Friday.
Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.
2021.11.17
NAI Legacy completes acquisition of a Walgreens property[22]NAI Legacy完成收购一处沃尔格林物业worldpropertyjournal.com
NAI Legacy completed the acquisition of a $7.1 million single-tenant, net-leased Walgreens property in Rapid City, South Dakota, for placement in a Delaware Statutory Trust.
2021.11.15
Reported2021.11.17
Zeikos sues Walgreens over alleged contract breaches[11]Lawsuit over Xulane birth control patchlawstreetmedia.com
Zeikos sued Walgreen Co., alleging that it breached two contracts, including by failing to place merchandise in 5,000 stores and by failing to pay authorized credits. The allegations are claims in the complaint, not a court determination.
2021.10.27
Reported2021.10.28
Lawsuit filed over NP Thyroid injuries[12]Lawsuit over Xulane birth control patchlawstreetmedia.com
Patricia Vosburgh filed suit against Acella Pharmaceuticals and Walgreen Co. alleging personal injury from Acella's NP Thyroid and claiming the defendants failed to warn about associated risks. These are allegations in the complaint.
2021.10.20
Reported2021.10.21
Wing and Walgreens announce drone delivery plans in Texas[23]Wing与Walgreens宣布在得克萨斯州开展无人机配送autoevolution.com
Wing said Walgreens will use Wing’s drones to make deliveries from a store in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, serving parts of Frisco and Little Elm. Wing said it expected to launch a commercial service there in the coming months.
2021.08.16
Reported2021.08.16
Walgreens partners with Synchrony on credit card program[24]Walgreens 与 Synchrony 合作推出信用卡计划hartfordbusiness.com
Walgreens is launching a new credit card program in partnership with Synchrony Bank, which will issue the cards. The program includes a myWalgreens Mastercard and a myWalgreens Credit Card.

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