America's Corner Store

America¿s Corner Store is the fascinating story of Walgreens, the most successful drugstore chain in the United States. From its founding as a family run store in Chicago in 1901, Walgreens has grown into one of the largest food and drug retailers in the world. With more than 3,600 stores nationwide and the 6,000th scheduled to open by 2010, Walgreens has managed to survive and even thrive when other, better known competitors, have not¿earning regular spots on Fortune magazine¿s lists of most admired and best performing companies. The story of Walgreens¿ remarkable rise to the top is one of grit and gumption, talent and tenacity, and an unfailing commitment to old fashioned down home values. Written in an engaging and highly readable style, this book offers both a colorful slice of Americana and a compelling corporate profile, expertly interweaving personal anecdotes with historic and economic insights. In addition to such popular creations as the milkshake, Walgreens pioneered an impressive list of cutting edge innovations including self service shopping, economical store brands, the drive through pharmacy, one hour photo developing, and computerized prescription services. But according to author John Bacon, it was Walgreens¿ dogged adherence to fundamental values that helped the company survive depressions, recessions, boom times, and wars, while countless competitors have closed their doors. Walgreens¿ success is based on a commitment to bedrock business principles and sound decision making, such as:Putting the pharmacy first, long before it became a big profit center Hiring employees based on their character, not resumes Recognizing performance by promoting from within Treating employees like family Making customers feel like welcome guests Business readers and…