Dive Brief:
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Observers have noticed that New York’s Duane Reade storefronts have gained a “by Walgreens” tag under the store name.
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Springfield Township, IL-based The Walgreen Company bought the 54-year-old Duane Reade drugstore chain for $1 billion in 2010.
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The Walgreen Co. said the move was to boost brand recognition for the parent brand. Walgreens and Duane Reade rewards cards have been interchangeable since the acquisition.
Dive Insight:
For many New Yorkers, “going to Duane Reade” means going to the drugstore in general. No comment from the Walgreen Co. about whether the stores would be completely re-branded to Walgreens stores in the future.