Our history
Founded in 1901 by pharmacist Charles R. Walgreen Sr. on Chicago’s South Side, Walgreens has grown from a single 50-by-20-foot neighborhood drugstore into America’s largest independent pharmacy with 125 years of innovation in pharmacy and retail services.
2020s
Celebrates 125 years
Walgreens commemorates 125 years of serving customers and supporting communities, marking the anniversary of its founding in 1901.
Becomes private company
Walgreens announces it would operate as private standalone company following acquisition by Sycamore Partners in August 2025.
Launches clinical trial business
In June, Walgreens announces the launch of its clinical trial business to redefine the patient experience and increase access in sponsor-led drug development research.
Introduces 24-hour same-day delivery
In December, Walgreens launches 24-hour same-day delivery, offering the most retail items for around-the-clock delivery across the country.
COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Initiative
Walgreens launches its COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Initiative, hosting more than 1,300 off-site COVID-19 vaccination clinics at local churches and historically Black colleges and universities.
First micro-fulfillment center opens
In April, Walgreens opens its first micro-fulfillment center using automation technology to fill prescriptions, reducing workload in Walgreens retail pharmacies.
First COVID-19 test and vaccines
Walgreens conducts its first COVID-19 test and administers its first COVID-19 vaccines on December 18. Pledged commitment to aid Administration in providing access to COVID-19 testing.
Launches myWalgreens loyalty program
In November, Walgreens announces the launch of myWalgreens, a complete reinvention of its customer loyalty program to offer customers extensive new benefits.
2010s
Partners with Microsoft on healthcare
Walgreens Boots Alliance and Microsoft sign a seven-year deal to develop new healthcare delivery models, technology and retail innovations.
Launches Walgreens Find Care
The company launches Walgreens Find Care, an easy-to-use tool accessible via app and website connecting people to healthcare providers.
Acquires 1,932 Rite Aid stores
The Federal Trade Commission approves Walgreens’ purchase of 1,932 Rite Aid stores.
First safe medication disposal kiosks
Walgreens becomes the first drugstore chain to offer safe medication disposal kiosks in stores to allow individuals to safely dispose of unwanted medications.
Forms Walgreens Boots Alliance
Walgreens exercises option to complete second step of its strategic partnership with Alliance Boots, forming Walgreens Boots Alliance through the full combination.
Strategic relationship with AmerisourceBergen
Walgreens and Alliance Boots announce a strategic, long-term relationship with AmerisourceBergen to collaborate on global supply chain opportunities. Launches Get a Shot, Give a Shot campaign with UN Foundation.
Partners with Alliance Boots
Walgreens acquires a 45% stake in Alliance Boots, taking the first step in the strategic partnership to create the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise.
Acquires Duane Reade chain
Walgreens completes its acquisition of the New York-based Duane Reade drugstore chain.
2000s
Enters specialty pharmacy business
Walgreens buys into its first specialty pharmacy (Schraft’s).
Multi-language prescription labels chainwide
Walgreens becomes the first drugstore to offer prescription labels in multiple languages chainwide. Today, prescription services are available at Walgreens in 14 languages.
1990s
Launches online pharmacy
Walgreens.com launches its online pharmacy, giving customers and patients the option to meet their healthcare needs at home.
Opens first drive-thru pharmacy
Walgreens opens its first freestanding corner store with drive-thru pharmacy.
1980s
First Black NABP president
Henry Cade, director of public affairs for Walgreens, becomes the first Black pharmacist to serve as president of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
Opens 1,000th store
Walgreens opens its 1,000th store, at 1200 N. Dearborn in Chicago.
Acquires 21 Kroger stores
In 1981 Walgreen buys 21 Kroger SuperX drugstores in Houston and the first Intercom pharmacy computers are installed in Walgreens pharmacies in Iowa.
Acquires Rennebohm chain
Expanding the drugstore business, Walgreen Co. buys the Rennebohm chain, based in Madison, Wisconsin. Walgreens reaches 500 million prescriptions filled.
1970s
Surpasses $1 billion in sales
The company surpasses the $1 billion mark in sales.
1960s
Third generation takes leadership
A third generation of Walgreens ascends to the company presidency when Charles Walgreen III became company president.
Pioneers child-resistant prescription containers
Walgreens becomes the first major drugstore chain in the U.S. to put its prescriptions into child-resistant containers.
Opens first super center
The first Walgreens Super Center opens in the Chicago suburb of Norridge.
Elects first outside directors
The company elects its first outside directors to the board.
Enters discount department stores
In 1962 Walgreen Co. enters the discount department store field by paying about $3 million for the assets of United Mercantile Inc.
Enters Puerto Rico market
Walgreens enters the Puerto Rico market and fills its 100 millionth prescription, far more than any drugstore chain at the time.
1950s
Opens first self-service store
Walgreen opens its first self-serve store in 1952, becoming an early leader in this self-service concept.
1940s
Acquires Mexican retailer Sanborns
Walgreens acquires a 27% interest in Sanborns, a major Mexican retail and restaurant company, which it operated into the ’80s.
Opens Pentagon’s first drugstore
Walgreens opens the first drugstore in the Pentagon, which operated into the ’80s.
1930s
Founder Charles Walgreen dies
Charles Walgreen dies at the age of 66, leaving his son Charles Walgreen Jr. as CEO.
Major university philanthropy initiative
Charles Walgreen begins his association with the University of Chicago with a donation of $550,000 in company stock to establish the Charles R. Walgreen Foundation for the Study of American Institutions.
Lists on New York Stock Exchange
Walgreens stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the company was operating in 30 states with 601 stores.
First drugstore chain on radio
Walgreens becomes the first drugstore chain in the U.S. to advertise on radio.
Opens large warehouse facility
The company opens a 224,000-square-foot warehouse and laboratory on Chicago’s southwest side.
1920s
Reaches 397 stores nationwide
By the end of 1929, there were 397 Walgreen stores in 87 cities with annual sales of $47 million.
Equal pay for all pharmacists
Walgreen Sr. insists that Black and White pharmacists are paid the same, decades ahead of industry norms and cultural standards.
Stock becomes publicly traded
Walgreens stock becomes publicly traded and the company opened its first East Coast store in New York’s theater district.
Reaches 65 stores
There were 65 stores with total annual sales of $1.2 million, with 59 in Chicago and suburbs.
Invents malted milkshake
Walgreens employee Ivar ‘Pop’ Coulson modifies the basic malted milk recipe by adding scoops of vanilla ice cream. The milkshake sells for $0.20 and becomes hugely popular.
1910s
Reaches 20 stores
There were 20 stores in the chain, 19 on Chicago’s South Side and one on the near north side.
Company formally incorporated
Nine stores are consolidated as Walgreen Co. with the aim of assuring economies of scale, doing $270,000 in annual business.
1900s
Second store opens
Walgreens expansion begins with the opening of its second store.
First Walgreens store opens
Charles R. Walgreen Sr. purchases the Chicago drugstore where he worked as a pharmacist on the corner of Bowen and Cottage Grove Avenues.
See our progress in action
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