The world’s largest drugstore chain is branching out with two big new offerings to broaden its appeal to a broader base of consumers.
First, in a nod to the eco-friendly set, Chicago-based Walgreens (NYSE: WAG) (NASDAQ: WAG) expects to become the nation’s largest retail host of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, with 800 new locations across the country by the end of 2011.
The company’s neighborhood stores will provide convenient locations for EV drivers to recharge near home or work. The charging stations will feature either a high-speed direct current (DC) charger that can add 30 miles of range in as little as 10 minutes of charging time, or a Level 2 charger that can add up to 25 miles of range per hour of charge.
Major markets expected to host these sites include Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Select locations in Florida, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington will also receive EV charging stations. Installation begins later this month.