Not Just Rx: Walgreens Adds Essential Items to Drive-Thrus

Consumers on the hunt for toilet paper can now try their local Walgreens drive-thru as an option.

With decidedly low-tech options becoming more popular in stores as ways to keep consumers and associates safer during the coronavirus health crisis, Walgreens pharmacists will now be available to locate more than 60 front-end items for drive-thru consumers.

The retailer, which has over 7,300 pharmacy drive-thrus in the United States, is making such essentials as cleaning supplies and sanitizers, over-the-counter pain relievers, select grocery items, infant formula/adult nutrition, medical supplies, first aid and paper goods available.

Consumers can ask the pharmacist if the products are available at the drive-thru window. If there are no lines, the pharmacist will retrieve the items at that time. During periods with multiple cars, consumers may be provided with a return time.

Although consumers can’t purchase items in advance online for this method, Walgreens is offering free delivery for any purchases on Walgreens.com, with no minimum purchase required.

“We are working around the clock to support our customers and patients, who are relying on us more now than ever before,” said Lisa Badgley, Walgreens senior vice president of pharmacy and retail operations. “We’re continuing to quickly introduce new and different ways to meet customers’ needs for greater convenience during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also promoting social distancing as one of the most important preventive measures we can take. We also ask that customers be patient as we work to provide this new and expanded service, as there may be wait times given current demand.