Walgreens Chicago – Picasso or da Vinci?

The artistic styles of Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso vary widely, yet they all started the same way; with a stark white piece of canvas.  Their masterpieces only began to take shape when they added splashes of color along with a well thought out design.  While many people appreciate the work of these artists, few ponder the genius of such works.  Such is the case with retail.  Top retailers spend immense amount of resources to communicate store environments that replicate a work of art. 

The flagship Walgreens in Chicago, has raised the bar for not only drug stores but also for other retailers in the grocery and convenience store segments.  I have read a lot on this store but was still curious what the buzz is about. On a recent visit to the Windy City, I decided to check it out for myself. Below are some examples of what I thought made this Walgreens a masterpiece of retail design.

The very first impression of the store is the sushi and smoothie station, located on an island in the front of the store.  Rather than having only premade snacks and sandwiches, Walgreens ups the ante by having made to order sushi and fresh fruit smoothies. Notice also how the in-store messages of juicy sliced oranges, gives the impression that everything is fresh.

  

Another part of this store-within-a-store is its beverage selection.  Toward another entrance of the store is a moving beverage wall, with rotating wine bottles.  Much like the sushi and smoothie station this conveys action and showcases a wide variety of wines that are available at the store.

The below picture was taken midway up the escalator.  Notice how the view from here shows a well-lit, neatly and strategically arranged first floor. 

It was easy to stay gazing at the first floor from here. As I turned my head though to look what was ahead of me, I could see a glow of ambient lighting which left me with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. What immediately grabbed my attention as I turned the corner to get off the escalator was the cosmetic and wellness center. The wellness center is appropriately branded by Walgreens as their Take Care clinic.  Both the wellness center and cosmetic area were very different, yet just like an artist who knows which colors to combine to make more vibrant ones, so Walgreens has done with these stores-within-a store. Notice how the blue background of the take care clinic conveys cleanliness and the bright pink background of the cosmetic section is intended to draw in female patrons. At one point, while gazing in sheer appreciation at the cosmetic section, I had to remind myself that this was a Walgreens, and not what it appeared to be, a cosmetic section at a high-end retailer.

Connoisseurs of fine art often marvel at the intense beauty of the works that their favorite artists have done, while the perfectionist of the artist may just see his or her work as a good painting, thinking that they could have done more.  Walgreens has created a work of art in this store, yet is it a masterpiece?  You decide.  As always, your comments are welcome.