DHL and Walgreens Partner to Provide the Most Convenient and Accessible Shipping Experience in the Express Delivery Industry
DHL, the world´s leading express delivery and logistics company,
has entered into a strategic agreement with Walgreens (NYSE:WAG)
(NASDAQ:WAG), the nation´s largest drugstore chain, which will more
than double the number of retail outlets offering DHL Express shipping
services nationally. Walgreens is projected to expand to more than
6,500 locations by the end of 2008 with more than 1,600 stores open 24
hours a day. The Walgreens/DHL agreement brings an unprecedented
strategic retail partnership to the express delivery industry with the
highest level of convenience and accessibility for small businesses
and consumers.
The new agreement is designed to readily service shippers sending
and dropping off their packages via DHL for overnight, ground or
international delivery. The DHL Shipping Spot will be staffed by
Walgreens associates at Walgreens photo counters to weigh, label and
ship customer packages to U.S. or international destinations, creating
a simple and easy shipping experience.
"DHL´s success partnering with a retailer to offer in-store
shipping services has proven that American businesses and consumers
want the convenience of shipping where they shop, and Walgreens is the
perfect partner," said Hans Hickler, CEO of DHL Express (USA).
"Expanding DHL´s retail presence is an important next step in our U.S.
retail strategy, as well as our small to mid-size business growth
plans. The combination of shipping within the corner drugstore
environment on a national basis is unprecedented and allows both DHL
and Walgreens to provide even more convenience to customers in
unparalleled ways," continued Hickler.
Walgreens customers will have access to DHL´s core express
products and services. Shippers will benefit from the convenience of a
DHL location "down the street" and "around the corner" that provides
access to a global shipping network serving over 225 countries and
territories.
"We´ve seen strong customer response to DHL in-store shipping in
test markets," said Walgreens Executive Vice President of Marketing
George Riedl. "The service addresses an important need for our
time-crunched customer base. This new offering will be another
powerful addition to our overall strategy of making life easier for
customers."
By end of 2008, DHL will have more than doubled its retail
presence with retail shipping locations, including Walgreens and
OfficeMax locations, as well as thousands of independently owned and
operated shipping centers that are part of the DHL Authorized Shipping
Center network.
About DHL
At DHL, Customer Service is back in shipping. Our mission is to
provide the most flexible, personable and enjoyable experience in the
shipping industry for our customers.
DHL is the global market leader of the international express and
logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and
customized solutions from a single source. DHL offers expertise in
express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistic
solutions as well as international mail services, combined with
worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets.
DHL´s international network links more than 225 countries and
territories worldwide with over 300,000 employees dedicated to
providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers´
expectations.
Founded in San Francisco in 1969, DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net
brand. The group generated worldwide revenues of $80 billion in 2006.
For more information on DHL, visit www.dhl.com.
About Walgreens
Walgreens is the nation´s largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2007
sales of $53.8 billion. The company operates 6,139 stores in 49 states
and Puerto Rico, including 77 Happy Harry´s stores in Delaware and
surrounding states. Walgreens is expanding its patient-first health
care services beyond traditional pharmacy through Walgreens Health
Services, its managed care division, and Take Care Health Systems, a
wholly owned subsidiary that manages convenient care clinics at
drugstores. Walgreens Health Services assists pharmacy patients and
prescription drug and medical plans through Walgreens Health
Initiatives Inc. (a pharmacy benefit manager) Walgreens Mail Service
Inc., Walgreens Home Care Inc. and Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy LLC.