Some of those ubiquitous beige Walgreens that seem to be on every other corner are getting makeovers.
The chain hopes that bigger windows and lighter and brighter colors will invite customers inside.
The exterior and interior changes coincide with the Walgreens mantra "be well."
Tucson is one of the first areas to roll out the new concept, which will be completed in 15 to 18 locations here in the next 18 months, said District Manager Christopher Elliott.
Included in that number are current stores being remodeled, and two new stores: one that opened Wednesday at 550 N. Silverbell Road, near St. Mary's Hospital; and one at North Swan and East Sunrise roads that is scheduled to open in late January.
The first Tucson Walgreens to undergo the renovations is at 4685 E. Grant Road.
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The new Walgreens is almost unrecognizable.
Big windows flood the store with natural sunlight, giving it a more open feel.
Fresh foods, including fruits, vegetables, ready-made sandwiches, salads, sushi rolls and desserts, are delivered fresh daily and available for purchase.
The cosmetic department resembles a department store's with underlit shelves and extended brand names.
The centerpiece and core of the renovations is the pharmacy, which is staffed with a health-care adviser who directs patients and answers questions, a home-care specialist, a pharmacist and a nurse practitioner.
Elliott said surveys found that patients felt pharmacists are hard to approach.
So, the main focus of the new health-care area is to get the pharmacist out in front of the counter to provide easier access for patients. The pharmacist now sits at a desk in front of the counter.
A consultation room is available near the pharmacist's desk for patients who want privacy.
"Accessibility of the pharmacist is especially nice when customers have questions about over-the- counter products," Elliott said.
A kiosk is set up so patients can sign into the clinic using a computer. Above that, prescription statuses and the clinic wait list are displayed on flat-screen monitors.
Express Rx allows customers to refill prescriptions by calling in the order or placing the order online at Walgreens.com
Payment is then made with a debit or credit card at the Express Rx kiosk and the prescription will be ready at the counter.
The home-care department is staffed with a specialist to help patients find walkers, wheelchairs and other home-care needs, which can be delivered to their home.
A board-certified family nurse practitioner can provide treatment for illnesses or minor injuries, give vaccines and write prescriptions at the chain's Take Care Clinics. Family nurse practitioner Emilie Bowers manages all eight of the Tucson Take Care Clinics.
Another feature of the new Walgreens is Web pickup, which allows customers to order and pay for nonperishable items online and pick them up in about an hour.
"Response from customers is great," store manager Dave Zezuto said. "People are really excited about the clinic and the express pickup."
If You Go
• What: Walgreens' newest store opened Wednesday.
• Where: 550 N. Silverbell Road.
• Store hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
• Pharmacy hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Did you know?
Walgreens Co. is Southern Arizona's 34th-largest employer, with about 1,400 full-time-equivalent employees as of early 2012.
Source: Star 200, the Arizona Daily Star's annual survey of the region's 200 largest employers.
Contact reporter Angela Pittenger at apitteng@azstarnet.com or 573-4137.