Summary
The fascinating story of a company that has been at the forefront of American business for over one hundred yearsThe story of Walgreens spans over a century of U.S. history. It's the story of the most successful drugstore chain in the nation, an industry leader from the 1920s right up to the present. Today, the company still surpasses its competition in both size and profitability.America's Corner Store details the incredible story of this innovative company, from its inception as a family-run store in 1901 to its transformation as one of the largest food and drug retailers in the world. Readers will learn how superb management, modern merchandising, innovative store design, fair pricing, outstanding customer service, and an exceedingly high-quality pharmacy fueled Walgreens astounding growth and continued success. From their invention of the malted milkshake to their creation of drive-thru pharmacies, Walgreens has set the standard for the industry. Through firsthand accounts of company executives and extensive research, John Bacon has created the most accurate and up-to-date account of this storied franchise.John U. Bacon (Ann Arbor, MI) has written on a variety of business and feature topics that have appeared in national publications such as the New York Times, Time magazine, and Men's Journal. He was also the host of his own radio talk show for more than a year. Previously, Bacon was a sports writer for the Detroit News.
Author Biography
JOHN U. BACON has written on a wide variety of subjects for Time magazine, Fortune magazine, and the New York Times, among other publications, earning several national honors for his work. A former feature writer for the Detroit News, he has also authored Blue Ice: The Story of Michigan Hockey, ghost-written several business bestsellers, and currently hosts a weekly radio show. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Table of Contents
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1. From Humble Beginnings. |
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The State of the Profession. |
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To Live and Almost Die in Cuba. |
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The Most Important Merger. |
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2. The Start of Something Special: 1910–1929. |
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The Secrets of the Second Store. |
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Chicago in the Roaring Twenties. |
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If They Can Make It Here. |
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3. Nothing to Fear: 1929–1945. |
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Helping the Mom-and-Pop Shops. |
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Walgreens’ Own: From Coffee to Corn Remover. |
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Damn the Depression, Full Speed Ahead! |
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The Accidental Benefactor. |
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4. The Postwar Era: 1945–1970. |
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Mergers and Acquisitions. |
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All Power to the Pharmacist. |
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Battling the Bargain Stores. |
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The Self-Service Revolution. |
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The Shopping Center Is Born. |
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5. Reinventing the Corporation: 1970–1990. |
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Looking for a Few Good Men. |
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Killing Off Their Little Darlings. |
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The Systems behind the Smiles. |
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Walgreens Goes High-Tech. |
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6. Poised to Pounce: 1990–Future. |
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“This Is Dan Jorndt, How May I Help You?” |
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Plain and Proud of It: The Anti-Enron. |
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Getting the Right People Ready. |
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A Good Corner Is a Good Corner. |
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Appendix A: Walgreens Financial Facts. |
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Appendix B: Historic Highlights. |
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