DDi - October 2011 - (Page 38)

38 | In-Store Technology “Hello shoppers” Duane Reade’s new drugstore flagship features a half-sign, half-mannequin digital greeter By Janet Groeber G otham’s dominant drugstore chain Duane Reade has been beefing up its privatelabel offering and remodeling its myriad stores. Now owned by Walgreen Co., Duane Reade’s newest location at 40 Wall St. in the heart of New York City’s financial district is open 24/7 and features a host of services and amenities never before found in a Duane Reade store. The new 22,000-sq.-ft. flagship is located in a storied structure known as the crown jewel of Wall Street—a 70-story limestone and steel skyscraper that was (very) briefly the tallest building in the world. Completed in 1930, the former Bank of Manhattan Trust building was rebranded as The Trump Building in 1995, when Donald Trump bought the neglected property. In July, transformed floors one and two opened as Duane Reade’s flagship. The retailer paid homage to the building’s banking past by retaining architectural “relics,” such as the black marble columns and gilded escalators. As a nod to the new, the store features a 20-ft. New York Stock Exchange in-store ticker, along with a newsstand stocked with financial newspapers and magazines. There’s also a shoeshine station, a fresh-flower market and the largest Duane Reade/HP digital photo center to date. Guided by its newest vision statement, “New York Living Made Easy,” this Duane Reade unit sports a Starbucks, a sushi bar, a juice bar, prepared foods to-go, a nail salon and a hair salon. Of course, there’s also the customary pharmacy and over-the-counter meds, but there’s a noappointment-needed doctor on duty. The store also has its own Web address, as well as Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare check-ins. Clearly a blend of old and new, this Duane Reade also offers decidedly high tech. At the entrance is the Duane Reade “Virtual Assistant,” a www.ddionline.com | October 2011 http://www.ddionline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DDi - October 2011

DDi - October 2011
From the Editor
From the Show Director
Newsworthy
Shopper Insights
Visual Perspectives
Editor’s Choice
Design Snapshot
Channel Focus: Bridal
Aura
State of the Retail Design Industry Survey
APP Exclusive: Bonus State of the Retail Design Industry Survey Charts
Right Light
In-Store Technology: Duane Reade
Product Spotlight
Calendar
Advertisers
Classifieds
Shopping with Paco

DDi - October 2011