Walgreens
Walgreens operates nearly 8,000 U.S. retail pharmacy locations dispensing prescriptions, OTC products, and specialty medications, serving individual healthcare consumers and Medicare beneficiaries under private equity ownership since August 2025.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1901
- HeadquartersDeerfield, United States
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Walgreens does
Walgreens is a U.S. pharmacy, health, and wellness retailer founded in 1901 and headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, operating nearly 8,000 retail pharmacy locations nationwide after its August 2025 acquisition by Sycamore Partners for approximately $10 billion in equity (~$23.7 billion including debt), which transitioned the former Walgreens Boots Alliance from public to private ownership. The company's core offering centers on prescription dispensing across its store network, supported by 13 regional micro-fulfillment centers using automation and robotics to process approximately 18 million prescriptions monthly, alongside specialty pharmacy services reaccredited by the NABP through August 2028. Walgreens has been actively extending into higher-margin healthcare verticals post-acquisition, launching a specialty pharma business with a cell and gene services innovation center (May 2026), a $49-per-visit weight management service offering GLP-1 medications (March 2026), and a nationwide Cologuard colorectal cancer screening program through partnerships with Exact Sciences and Workflow Services.
The business model is diversified across transaction-fee streams: prescription dispensing (reimbursed via insurance, Medicare Part D, and direct pay), retail product sales (health, beauty, personal care, groceries), specialty pharmacy, virtual healthcare consultations priced at $33–$79, photo printing services, the Walgreens Advertising Group retail media network, and 340B contract pharmacy revenue. Digital distribution is layered through walgreens.com, the Walgreens mobile app with prescription management, third-party delivery partnerships (Uber Eats, Shipt), and co-located services (FedEx pickup, Kroger Express, Western Union). Customer segments are dominated by individual healthcare consumers and Medicare beneficiaries, with CareCentrix (wholly owned, managing care for 19 million+ members) providing a homecare services platform, and the company is restructuring into five stand-alone entities under Sycamore while executing a turnaround that includes 1,200 planned store closures over three years, 600+ layoffs, and a new hybrid pharmacy program across six states.
Walgreens firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Walgreens
- Legal name
- Walgreen Co.
- Website
- https://walgreens.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1901
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- Walgreens operates nearly 8,000 U.S. retail pharmacy locations dispensing prescriptions, OTC products, and specialty medications, serving individual healthcare consumers and Medicare beneficiaries under private equity ownership since August 2025.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Walgreens industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Retail Pharmacy
- NAICS
- Pharmacies and Drug Retailers (456110), Health and Personal Care Retailers (456)
- SIC
- Retail-Drug Stores And Proprietary Stores (5912)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Retail & Community Pharmacies (Chain/Independent) (HLAFALAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Discount Drugstores with Front-End General Merchandise (Value GM) (CRAEAHAI), Health, Wellness & Pharmacy Online Retailers (CRAFADAG), Value Convenience with Pharmacy / Health & Wellness Counter (CRAEAJAE)
Keywords
Where Walgreens is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Deerfield
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Walgreens business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Prescription Dispensing: Core pharmacy revenue from filling prescriptions for customers, including generic and brand-name medications, with reimbursement from insurance, Medicare Part D, and direct pay
- Retail Product Sales: Sale of health and wellness products, beauty, personal care, grocery items, and general merchandise through physical stores and e-commerce
- Specialty Pharmacy Services: Specialized pharmacy services for complex medications requiring special handling, storage, and distribution, including cell and gene therapy services
- Virtual Healthcare Services: Digital health services including weight management consultations ($49/visit) and other virtual care visits ($33-$79), providing access to clinicians and GLP-1 prescriptions
- Walgreens Advertising Group: Retail media network enabling brands to advertise to Walgreens customers, with transparent measurement using independent third-party verification
- Photo Services: Photo printing, photo books, cards, calendars, canvas prints, and custom gifts through Walgreens Photo centers and online platform
- 340B Contract Pharmacy Program: Participation in the 340B drug pricing program as a contract pharmacy, generating revenue from the differential between contract and retail pricing
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Walgreens Weight Management - Virtual Visit |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Walgreens Virtual Healthcare - Standard Visits |
| Freemium | Monthly | myWalgreens Rewards Program |
| Other | Monthly | Medicare Advantage OTC Benefits |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Photo Products |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels6 records
Walgreens product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Walgreens operates a national retail pharmacy chain that fills prescriptions and sells health, wellness, beauty, personal care, and everyday products across nearly 8,000 U.S. stores. The company complements its physical footprint with e-commerce via walgreens.com and a mobile app, a virtual healthcare/telehealth platform, NABP-accredited specialty pharmacy services for complex medications, photo printing services, and home care through its CareCentrix subsidiary.
Product overview
Walgreens operates as a diversified healthcare and retail pharmacy company offering a broad portfolio of products and services. The core offering centers on Walgreens Pharmacy (prescription filling, immunizations, health screenings) and Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy for complex medications. Digital health services include Walgreens Virtual Healthcare (telehealth consultations) and Walgreens Weight Management (GLP-1 prescriptions). The company provides health services (vaccinations, COVID testing, Cologuard cancer screening), photo products (prints, books, gifts via Walgreens Photo), and retail products across categories including beauty, personal care, groceries, vitamins, and OTC medications. Supporting services include myWalgreens loyalty program, Medicare OTC Benefits, prescription delivery, contact lenses, and financial services (Western Union, credit cards). The company also offers a Walgreens API for developers/affiliates and has expanded into homecare through its CareCentrix acquisition.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Boots: UK-based pharmacy and health and beauty retailer operating under Walgreens Boots Alliance
- Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy
- Walgreens Virtual Healthcare
- myWalgreens
- Walgreens Photo
- Walgreens Specialty Pharma
Products and services
- Walgreens Pharmacy Core prescription filling, medication management, immunizations, health screenings, and pharmacy consultations offered at approximately 8,000 store locations nationwide for individual consumers.
- Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy Specialty pharmacy service providing specialized medications requiring special handling, storage, and distribution for patients with complex chronic or rare conditions.
- Walgreens Virtual Healthcare Telehealth platform offering virtual doctor visits, online prescriptions, and clinician-guided care for conditions including UTIs, yeast infections, birth control, and other common conditions in select U.S. states.
- Walgreens Weight Management Digital weight management service providing clinician-guided weight loss support with access to FDA-approved GLP-1 medications for $49 per visit, targeting self-pay adults without employer health plan coverage.
- Walgreens Photo Photo printing and customization service offering prints, photo books, cards, calendars, posters, canvas prints, custom gifts, and passport photos with same-day pickup at Walgreens locations.
- Cologuard Colorectal Cancer Screening Program Pharmacy-based colorectal cancer screening program enabling eligible customers to request Cologuard at-home screening tests through Walgreens pharmacies, with pharmacist-led services integrated into store workflows.
- Prescription Delivery Prescription delivery service offering same-day delivery, 1-hour delivery, and mail service pharmacy for home delivery of medications.
- myWalgreens Rewards Program Free loyalty and rewards program offering Walgreens Cash Rewards, personalized discounts, prescription alerts, and member-only deals.
- CareCentrix Home Care Services Homecare services platform managing care for over 19 million members, providing home health services, skilled nursing, and care coordination to support patients in home settings.
- Walgreens Financial Services Financial services including myWalgreens Credit Card, Scarlet Bank Account, reloadable debit cards, Western Union money transfers, and corporate/bulk gift cards.
- Medicare OTC Benefits Program Program allowing Medicare Advantage plan members to use OTC benefit cards for purchasing eligible health and wellness products at Walgreens, including vitamins, pain relief, oral care, and allergy medications.
Quantifiable outcome
- 18 million prescriptions fulfilled monthly through 13 micro-fulfillment centers
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Walgreens
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Walgreens technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
AI capability5 records
Feature4 records
Walgreens partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered unclear, core and minor.
- FreenomeunclearWalgreens and Freenome announced a multi-year partnership. Specific details about the partnership scope and objectives were not disclosed in available sources.
- Exact SciencescoreWalgreens announced a nationwide colorectal cancer screening initiative in partnership with Exact Sciences and Workflow Services, enabling eligible customers to request Cologuard tests through Walgreens pharmacies. The program addresses a significant healthcare gap, with more than one in three U.S. adults not up to date with colorectal screening.
- Workflow ServicescoreWorkflow Services supports Walgreens national colorectal cancer initiative, leveraging Cologuard tests to expand screening reach. The partnership integrates pharmacist-led services into store workflows to close care gaps for eligible average-risk customers.
- Alliance for Advancing Rural Healthcare (AARH)coreWalgreens joined the Alliance for Advancing Rural Healthcare (AARH) alongside SAIC, Arcadia, Castlight Health, Covista, Mission Mobile Medical, Telemedicine.com, and TruBridge. The alliance aims to help state governments execute the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, modernizing rural healthcare delivery, stabilizing hospitals, strengthening clinical workforce, and building platforms connecting patients to care.
- Uber EatsminorWalgreens products are available for delivery through the Uber Eats platform, enabling customers to order health products, OTC items, and retail products for same-day delivery.
- ShiptminorShipt offers same-day gift delivery from Walgreens stores, allowing members to send presents from Walgreens to recipients near and far with digital messages and real-time tracking.
- GuildminorWalgreens expanded its PharmStart education program nationwide in partnership with Guild. The fully funded online pre-pharmacy program covers tuition costs and course-related expenses for eligible Walgreens team members pursuing PharmD degrees, addressing financial barriers and the national pharmacist shortage.
- CareCentrixcoreWalgreens Boots Alliance accelerated its plan to acquire full ownership of CareCentrix, a leader in homecare industry, for approximately $392 million. The acquisition completed full ownership by March 2023, expanding Walgreens' healthcare services focused on home care sector. CareCentrix manages care for over 19 million members and continues operating as a distinct business within WBA.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Walgreens competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Kroger: Operates in-store pharmacy counters and has a formal Walgreens partnership (Kroger Express/Pickup). Competes in pharmacy and OTC categories within grocery-anchored retail.
- Walmart: Operates one of the largest U.S. pharmacy networks inside Walmart stores with low-cost positioning and broad retail assortment. Competes on price, convenience, and scale rather than specialty services.
- Costco Wholesale: Operates in-store pharmacies with low-cost dispensing model and member-driven foot traffic. Competes on prescription pricing and convenience within its membership base.
- UnitedHealth Group (Optum Rx): Operates the largest U.S. PBM and a growing retail/clinic footprint (Optum). Functions as both a customer and a competitor to Walgreens via PBM reimbursement dynamics and vertical integration.
Emerging players
- GoodRx: Digital platform for prescription discounts, telehealth, and manufacturer coupons. Competes with Walgreens' Rx Savings Finder and virtual care platform on self-pay affordability.
- Amazon Pharmacy: Digital-native prescription delivery service leveraging Amazon's logistics and Prime ecosystem. Represents a structurally different threat model targeting mail-order and urban delivery segments where Walgreens is most exposed.
- Hims & Hers Health: Direct-to-consumer telehealth and digital pharmacy focused on weight management (including GLP-1s), men's and women's health. Competes with Walgreens Virtual Healthcare and Weight Management for self-pay patients.
- Capsule: Digital pharmacy offering free same-day delivery and a relationship-based pharmacist experience in major U.S. metros. Competes in the digitally enabled retail pharmacy niche Walgreens is targeting.
Direct peers
- CVS Health: Largest U.S. retail pharmacy chain and integrated healthcare services company (includes Aetna and Caremark PBM). Direct competitor across prescription dispensing, retail, specialty pharmacy, and virtual care.
- Rite Aid: National chain pharmacy competitor also undergoing post-bankruptcy restructuring. Competes directly in retail pharmacy, OTC, and front-store categories in overlapping geographies.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Walgreens social profiles
Digital presenceWalgreens compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Walgreens financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Walgreens leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Walgreens subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Walgreens funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Walgreens M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A8 records
Investments6 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Walgreens
What does Walgreens do?
Walgreens operates a national retail pharmacy chain that fills prescriptions and sells health, wellness, beauty, personal care, and everyday products across nearly 8,000 U.S. stores. The company complements its physical footprint with e-commerce via walgreens.com and a mobile app, a virtual healthcare/telehealth platform, NABP-accredited specialty pharmacy services for complex medications, photo printing services, and home care through its CareCentrix subsidiary.
Is Walgreens a public or private company?
Walgreens is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Walgreens founded?
Walgreens was founded in 1901. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Walgreens based?
Walgreens is headquartered in Deerfield, United States, in the North America region.
How does Walgreens make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Prescription Dispensing is the primary driver. The others are retail Product Sales, specialty Pharmacy Services, virtual Healthcare Services, walgreens Advertising Group, photo Services and 340B Contract Pharmacy Program.
Who are Walgreens's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Kroger, Walmart, Costco Wholesale and UnitedHealth Group (Optum Rx). Emerging players are GoodRx, Amazon Pharmacy, Hims & Hers Health and Capsule. Direct peers are CVS Health and Rite Aid.
Does Walgreens have an API?
Yes. Walgreens offers an API program. The footer of their website includes a link to the Walgreens API/Affiliate Program page, indicating developer/partner-facing API availability. No additional technical details (REST/GraphQL, auth method, rate limits, sandbox) are specified in the source material. Developer documentation is at www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/api.jsp.
What industry is Walgreens in?
Walgreens's product category is Retail Pharmacy. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAFALAA, Retail & Community Pharmacies (Chain/Independent), with a secondary code of CRAEAHAI, Discount Drugstores with Front-End General Merchandise (Value GM). Its NAICS code is 456110 and its SIC code is 5912.