Walgreens Introduces DR Delish Items

The Walgreen Co., Deerfield, Ill., said it is offering certain items from Duane Reade’s DR Delish line of premium snacks and beverages in Walgreens stores. The store brand debuted at Duane Reade drugstores last September with an initial 25 items; the line has since grown to more than 100 items by the end of 2009. Walgreens acquired the Duane Reade chain in April.

“Introducing the DR Delish line of products in our stores is one of the first big steps toward bringing the best of Duane Reade to Walgreens,” said Bryan Pugh, VP of merchandising for Deerfield, Ill.-based Walgreens. “The DR Delish brand allows us to offer our customers snacks and beverages with premium recipes but at more affordable prices.”

Walgreens said the DR Delish snacks and beverages will sell at prices below the leading national brands. Many of the products offer a health-minded spin (e.g., trans-fat free, gluten-free, reduced-calorie, or made with natural ingredients).

According to Walgreens, the products hit the shelf this week, with 10 DR Delish products featured on an end cap display in more than 6,000 Walgreens stores. These products, with prices ranging from $2.99 to $7.49, include Trail Mix Blueberry Pomegranate Crunch, Trail Mix Mango Crunch, Trail Mix Pistachio Crunch, “Broadway” Chocolate Chip Cookie, “Broadway” Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookie, “Broadway” Chocolate Chip with Pecan Cookie, “Broadway” Raisin Oatmeal Cookie, Pretzel Rod Tub, Gallon Teas-Green Tea with Ginsing + Honey, and Gallon Teas-Sweet Tea

Other DR Delish products will be rotated in or added to shelves in the fall.

“These were among the most popular DR Delish products in the New York market, so we’re confident they’ll be a hit with our customers nationwide,” Pugh said. “Our plan is to expand the selection available at Walgreens in the coming months.”

SOURCE: Progressive Grocer Store Brands