It was in the previous year that Kroger (NYSE:KR) and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ:WBA) announced their new partnership. In this collaboration, the companies wanted to set up mini “Kroger Express” stores. These were going to be established countrywide in all the test markets. One of the major cities where the new stores are going to be tested is Knoxville.
Details about the latest deal
An official working with Walgreens says the Walgreens at 121 N. Northshore Drive in Knoxville will no longer be what people have always known it to be. It has undergone renovation and will now be called the Walgreens/Kroger combination. The unique thing about it is the fact that it has produced and some other additional items that you won’t find in the other Walgreens stores.
Kroger expresses optimism that Walgreens will help make its dream become a reality. That is because the new partner will help with product promotions as well as in boosting customer loyalty. On the other hand, Walgreens sees Krogers’ “grocery expertise” as a stepping stone that will see the alliance outshine competitors.
Talbot’s take on the latest developments
Kroger’s vice president of new business development Jeff Talbot says that they welcome any partnership that helps create value for customers. He adds that they are making efforts to redefine grocery customer experience and anticipate good times ahead. He believes in the growing relationship with Walgreens, saying that customers will also gain from it.
Talbot thinks that it is the right of every customer to obtain pocket-friendly, easy-to-enjoy, fresh food. According to him, the effort by the company to expand its pilot to Knoxville is a clear indication that it is targeting achieving high success levels soon.
Walgreens customers tend to be responding quite well to the Kroger Express pilot on the Northern segment of Kentucky. Walgreens president of operations Richard Ashworth says that the company is looking into ways to serve customers better. They target offering customers with a convenient and more enhanced shopping experience. He understands that the shoppers’ needs evolve and says they will continue re-inventing their customer offers. One of the ways will be to serve customers with some high-value health products at affordable rates.
