Walgreens launches next-day delivery in area

Walgreens has launched next-day delivery nationwide. JIM WITMER / STAFF

Walgreens has launched next-day delivery nationwide. JIM WITMER / STAFF

Walgreens will roll out next-day prescription delivery nationwide in effort to compete with Amazon’s rising power in the medical industry.

In a partnership with FedEx, local Walgreens customers can now opt to have their prescription delivered to straight to their doors for a $4.99 fee. Same-day delivery is also available in some markets and will expand throughout 2019, according to a company release.

»RELATED: Sears chairman’s hedge fund put in bid to buy remaining stores, including Springfield location

When customers receive a text that their order is ready, they can now follow a process from their smartphones to enroll in the delivery service.

“Walgreens is driven by a desire to make healthcare accessible to all across the thousands of communities we serve. Next-day prescription home delivery is another convenience-driver,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of operations.

»BIZ BEAT: Two area cities want to test driverless vehicles, technology

Amazon’s growing presence in the medical industry has sparked responses from others like Walgreens. The online giant announced an acquisition in June of PillPack, a startup that mails prescriptions to people who take multiple medications.

Amazon also recently launched Amazon Comprehend Medical, which uses machine learning to extract data from patient records to help healthcare providers make recommendations.

FIVE FAST READS

How to protect yourself from cyber thieves this shopping season

Two area cities want to test driverless vehicles, technology

Kroger remodel of Kettering store debuts faster checkout, updated produce

Aldi to offer delivery at Dayton-area stores

PHOTOS: Luxury condo with downtown view on market for $320K

About the Author