Latest news with #RickGates
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Walgreens' Brooklyn Park MFC to support 200 stores across Midwest
US retailer Walgreens has opened a new micro-fulfilment centre (MFC) in Brooklyn Park in the US state of Minnesota, to support prescription dispensing and shipping. The facility will improve prescription processing, while minimising pharmacists' administrative duties. It is projected to handle 13 million prescriptions annually. The Brooklyn Park MFC will serve 200 Walgreens locations throughout the Midwest, of which 145 are in Minnesota. It will create 175 jobs and contribute substantial payroll and property tax revenues to the state and local county. Walgreens chief pharmacy officer Rick Gates stated: "Walgreens' investment in micro-fulfilment centres is another strategic step toward a brighter future for community pharmacy. Research shows that Americans want more health services at their local pharmacy, and micro-fulfilment centres help us meet those needs by allowing our pharmacists to do what they do best: spend more time with patients.' Micro-fulfilment centres use robotic technology within a centralised pharmacy setting to enhance the efficiency of dispensing and distribution to Walgreens' stores nationwide. With a network of 12 MFCs, Walgreens now supports 5,000 stores dispensing upwards of 3.5 million prescriptions on a weekly basis. These high-tech facilities have increased year-on-year shipped volumes from MFCs by 24%, with an average of 16 million prescriptions filled monthly. They manage 40% of total prescription volume by MFCs for stores using these facilities. The establishment of a recycling initiative across MFCs resulted in the recycling of 3.7 million pounds of materials such as cardboard, plastic and toner cartridges during the fiscal year 2024. Walgreens pharmacy operating model vice-president Kayla Heffington stated: 'Our pharmacists working in locations supported by our micro-fulfilment sites are spending less time filling prescriptions and more time on patient care, like providing medication adherence support or administering vaccines – all of which help strengthen the health of our communities and provide a better overall patient experience.' In April 2025, Walgreens consented to a $300m settlement of claims by US prosecutors that it unlawfully processed millions of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances. "Walgreens' Brooklyn Park MFC to support 200 stores across Midwest" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Walgreens To Expand Use Of Prescription-Filling Robots, Cites $500 Million In Savings As Motive
Walgreens has plans to expand its use of robot-powered micro-fulfillment centers The centers currently serve 4,800 stores, and fill more than 16 million prescriptions each month The push for automation comes as Walgreens prepares to go private in a deal with Sycamore Partners Walgreens will be expanding its use of prescription-filling robots, CNBC reports. The pharmacy chain began using micro-fulfillment centers in 2021 before pausing the program in 2023 to focus on feedback and improvement. Now, it's working to add more in order to free up time for pharmacy staff, reduce time spent on routine tasks, and eliminate inventory waste. The robot-powered centers fill thousands of prescriptions for patients who use medication to manage conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. With those tasks automated, Walgreens told CNBC its pharmacy staff will have more time to interact directly with patients and perform clinical services like vaccinations and testing. Don't Miss: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — The company told CNBC it hopes to have 11 micro-fulfillment centers serving 5,000 locations by the end of the year. In February, there were 4,800 stores that utilized the micro-fulfillment centers. On average, these centers handled 40% of the prescription volume at the individual locations, Walgreens says, which translates to about 16 million prescriptions filled each month across all serviced stores. Kayla Heffington, Walgreens' pharmacy operating model vice president, told CNBC that the company's investment in automation is already paying off. The micro-fulfillment centers have generated $500 million in savings through their increased efficiency and reduction of excess inventory. Stores that use the centers are also administering 40% more vaccines than those that aren't, increasing profits. "Right now, [the micro-fulfillment centers] are the backbone to really help us offset some of the workload in our stores, to obviously allow more time for our pharmacists and technicians to spend time with patients," Rick Gates, Walgreens' chief pharmacy officer, told CNBC. "It gives us a lot more flexibility to bring down costs, to increase the care and increase speed to therapy – all those things." Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Gates added that he sees the micro-fulfillment centers as a competitive advantage for Walgreens, because many independent pharmacies and larger rivals don't have the centralized support. However, many of Walgreens' major competitors, like Walmart (NYSE:WMT), Kroger (NYSE:KR), and Albertsons (NYSE:ACI), already have, or are testing, their own versions of the micro-fulfilment facilities. There are, of course, risks that come with using these micro-fulfillment centers, like a reliance on sophisticated robotics that can cause major disruptions if errors occur. But for Walgreens, the rewards heavily outweigh the risks. Heffington told CNBC that the automated locations have helped reduce prescription fulfillment costs by nearly 13% year over year, and have increased prescription volume by 126%. The centers also allow the company to have real-time data on all prescription fulfillments, enabling its employees to provide better customer service. The renewed push for automation comes as Walgreens prepares to go private in a $10 billion deal with Sycamore Partners. The buyout is expected to be complete by the end of the year. Read Next: The team behind $6B+ in licensing deals is now building the next billion-dollar IP empire — Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: . Image: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Walgreens To Expand Use Of Prescription-Filling Robots, Cites $500 Million In Savings As Motive originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
09-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Walgreens Committed to Supporting Rite Aid Customers and Employees
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 9, 2025-- In light of Rite Aid's recent bankruptcy filing, Walgreens is committed to assisting Rite Aid customers and employees who are impacted by store closures in their local community. For customers who want to transfer their prescriptions to Walgreens: We recognize the trust patients have placed in their Rite Aid pharmacists, and Walgreens is here to continue that care with compassion and consistency. Walgreens is dedicated to meeting patients' needs for continued access to trusted, high-quality pharmacy and health services in communities across the country. This includes those who may be impacted by Rite Aid store closures or other changes to their local pharmacy's operations. 'Pharmacists are deeply embedded in their neighborhoods, and I know how difficult it can be for patients to lose access to their community pharmacy and the pharmacists they interact with regularly,' said Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer, Walgreens. 'Our Walgreens pharmacy teams are here to make it easy for patients who are affected by these changes, whether that's by helping quickly transfer a prescription, answering questions about a medication, or providing health services like vaccines and testing.' With some Rite Aid store closures expected to begin in the coming weeks, Walgreens encourages patients to transfer their prescriptions as soon as possible to avoid care interruptions. By visiting customers can easily find their nearest Walgreens location and transfer their prescriptions securely. Patients can also call 1-833-961-1642 if they need further assistance in transferring scripts. For employees interested in open positions at Walgreens: In response to the nationwide shortage of pharmacists, Walgreens is actively working to attract and hire skilled professionals. Rite Aid employees who are impacted by this news are encouraged to explore Walgreens opportunities near them and to visit to learn more. There is also a dedicated phone line (833-Join-Wag) and email inbox ( [email protected] ) for Rite Aid employees to leverage. We value the time that employees have invested at Rite Aid and intend to recognize Rite Aid service for eligible individuals joining our team. In the coming weeks, Walgreens will also host virtual informational sessions for pharmacists, pharmacy interns, pharmacy managers and pharmacy technicians. 'As a pharmacist myself with more than 30 years into a fulfilling career at Walgreens, I know firsthand how powerful it is when you are empowered to work to the top of your education, supported by a strong team that's focused on patient care,' said Gates. 'At Walgreens, that's what we're about, giving our team members a chance to grow, both personally and professionally.' Walgreens has several programs designed to help team members grow in their careers, including opportunities to expand clinical skills and transition into pharmacy, specialty pharmacy and corporate roles. Walgreens also employs innovative technology like micro-fulfillment centers to give pharmacy teams more time with patients. Dedicated investments in team members through programs like PharmStart, Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program tuition assistance and Student Loan 401(k) Match ensures employees can build their future while serving their community. About Walgreens Founded in 1901, Walgreens ( has a storied heritage of caring for communities for generations, and proudly serves nearly 9 million customers and patients each day across its approximately 8,500 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and leading omni-channel platforms. Walgreens has approximately 220,000 team members, including nearly 90,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for retail pharmacy and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities. Walgreens is the flagship U.S. brand of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader. Its retail locations are a critical point of access and convenience in thousands of communities, with Walgreens pharmacists playing a greater role as part of the healthcare system and patients' care teams than ever before. Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy provides critical care and pharmacy services to millions of patients with rare disease states and complex, chronic conditions. Media Resources B-roll and photos are available for download on the Walgreens media resources hub. View source version on CONTACT: Media Contact Carly Kaplan [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA ILLINOIS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL HEALTH OTHER RETAIL OTHER HEALTH SPECIALTY PHARMACEUTICAL SOURCE: Walgreens Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/09/2025 06:46 PM/DISC: 05/09/2025 06:46 PM
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Walgreens Committed to Supporting Rite Aid Customers and Employees
Walgreens is offering recruitment events for employees and no-hassle prescription transfers for customers impacted by Rite Aid transitions DEERFIELD, Ill., May 09, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In light of Rite Aid's recent bankruptcy filing, Walgreens is committed to assisting Rite Aid customers and employees who are impacted by store closures in their local community. For customers who want to transfer their prescriptions to Walgreens: We recognize the trust patients have placed in their Rite Aid pharmacists, and Walgreens is here to continue that care with compassion and consistency. Walgreens is dedicated to meeting patients' needs for continued access to trusted, high-quality pharmacy and health services in communities across the country. This includes those who may be impacted by Rite Aid store closures or other changes to their local pharmacy's operations. "Pharmacists are deeply embedded in their neighborhoods, and I know how difficult it can be for patients to lose access to their community pharmacy and the pharmacists they interact with regularly," said Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer, Walgreens. "Our Walgreens pharmacy teams are here to make it easy for patients who are affected by these changes, whether that's by helping quickly transfer a prescription, answering questions about a medication, or providing health services like vaccines and testing." With some Rite Aid store closures expected to begin in the coming weeks, Walgreens encourages patients to transfer their prescriptions as soon as possible to avoid care interruptions. By visiting customers can easily find their nearest Walgreens location and transfer their prescriptions securely. Patients can also call 1-833-961-1642 if they need further assistance in transferring scripts. For employees interested in open positions at Walgreens: In response to the nationwide shortage of pharmacists, Walgreens is actively working to attract and hire skilled professionals. Rite Aid employees who are impacted by this news are encouraged to explore Walgreens opportunities near them and to visit to learn more. There is also a dedicated phone line (833-Join-Wag) and email inbox (JoinOurStores@ for Rite Aid employees to leverage. We value the time that employees have invested at Rite Aid and intend to recognize Rite Aid service for eligible individuals joining our team. In the coming weeks, Walgreens will also host virtual informational sessions for pharmacists, pharmacy interns, pharmacy managers and pharmacy technicians. "As a pharmacist myself with more than 30 years into a fulfilling career at Walgreens, I know firsthand how powerful it is when you are empowered to work to the top of your education, supported by a strong team that's focused on patient care," said Gates. "At Walgreens, that's what we're about, giving our team members a chance to grow, both personally and professionally." Walgreens has several programs designed to help team members grow in their careers, including opportunities to expand clinical skills and transition into pharmacy, specialty pharmacy and corporate roles. Walgreens also employs innovative technology like micro-fulfillment centers to give pharmacy teams more time with patients. Dedicated investments in team members through programs like PharmStart, Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program tuition assistance and Student Loan 401(k) Match ensures employees can build their future while serving their community. About Walgreens Founded in 1901, Walgreens ( has a storied heritage of caring for communities for generations, and proudly serves nearly 9 million customers and patients each day across its approximately 8,500 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and leading omni-channel platforms. Walgreens has approximately 220,000 team members, including nearly 90,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for retail pharmacy and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities. Walgreens is the flagship U.S. brand of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader. Its retail locations are a critical point of access and convenience in thousands of communities, with Walgreens pharmacists playing a greater role as part of the healthcare system and patients' care teams than ever before. Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy provides critical care and pharmacy services to millions of patients with rare disease states and complex, chronic conditions. Media Resources B-roll and photos are available for download on the Walgreens media resources hub. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Carly Kaplanmedia@ Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Business Wire
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Walgreens Debuts PharmStart to Strengthen the Tech to Pharmacist Pipeline
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walgreens, the nation's largest independent community pharmacy provider, has teamed up with Guild, the leading talent development company, to launch PharmStart, a first-of-its-kind, fully funded online education program designed to help eligible team members meet the prerequisite requirements for pharmacy school. The program aims to eliminate barriers to pursuing a PharmD degree, tapping into a new pool of talent while also addressing critical challenges in the pharmacist talent pipeline. Walgreens Debuts PharmStart to Strengthen the Tech to Pharmacist Pipeline. Share PharmStart will begin with an initial cohort of more than 300 team members across six states: Oklahoma, Texas, Oregon, Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky. The program is now accepting applications for eligible Walgreens pharmacy technicians and other eligible front-line positions who are interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacist. Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer at Walgreens, who began his career at Walgreens as a front-of-store team member, understands firsthand the early stressors involved in considering a PharmD pursuit. 'Becoming a pharmacist was a lifelong dream, but the cost of tuition always loomed in the back of my mind. Today, we're continuing to chip away at those financial burdens, ensuring team members can pursue their passion for pharmacy without the burden of debt being a barrier to success.' In collaboration with the Walgreens Deans Advisory Council, PharmStart was created in response to a survey of pharmacy technicians, which highlighted that the financial burden of tuition for prerequisite course fees and time constraints are significant obstacles in pursuing a PharmD degree. Through the partnership with Guild, all tuition costs are handled directly through the platform and eligible team members will have access to personalized support along the journey including with application assistance, enrollment, education and career coaching. 'Teaming up with Walgreens to launch PharmStart marks a transformative step to strengthen and grow the pharmacist talent pipeline,' said Bijal Shah, CEO of Guild. 'Walgreens is setting a new standard for what talent development can look like—investing in their own team members through a first-of-its-kind, stackable pharmacy education pathway. By eliminating financial hurdles and offering flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere, we're empowering pharmacy technicians to elevate their careers.' In addition to PharmStart, Walgreens has introduced several initiatives to support aspiring pharmacists on their journey to a PharmD degree. The Walgreens Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program (PEAP) offers up to $40,000 in tuition assistance, easing the financial burden of pharmacy school; the Walgreens Student Loan 401(k) Match Program—part of the Retirement Savings Plan—helps team members paying off student loans earn their full match, even if they can't contribute 4%. Walgreens treats a portion of loan payments like 401(k) contributions, helping reduce debt while building retirement savings. Bridging the gap from technician to pharmacist with an opportunity to grow with PharmStart, Walgreens is paving the way for eligible pharmacy technicians to overcome financial and time constraints. This initiative is the latest example of how Walgreens is advancing the pharmacy profession and positioning community pharmacy as a practice setting of choice. About Walgreens Founded in 1901, Walgreens ( has a storied heritage of caring for communities for generations, and proudly serves nearly 9 million customers and patients each day across its approximately 8,500 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and leading omni-channel platforms. Walgreens has approximately 220,000 team members, including nearly 90,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for retail pharmacy and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities. Walgreens is the flagship U.S. brand of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader. Its retail locations are a critical point of access and convenience in thousands of communities, with Walgreens pharmacists playing a greater role as part of the healthcare system and patients' care teams than ever before. Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy provides critical care and pharmacy services to millions of patients with rare disease states and complex, chronic conditions. About Guild Guild partners with employers to build the talent they need today — and the workforce that can take on tomorrow. In partnership with employers like Chipotle, Discover, Hilton, Target, and healthcare systems like UCHealth, Guild helps to identify untapped talent and fuel organizational growth. Through Guild Talent Advantage™, Guild offers a versatile set of education and skilling offerings, actionable talent insights for employers, and personalized coaching for employees, translating learning investments into sustainable talent pipelines that propel businesses forward. For more information, visit
