Walgreens (9)

Walgreens started out as a neighborhood drug store in 1901 in Chicago, Ill. How Charles R. Walgreen, Sr., got into the drug store business is an interesting story. As a teenager, he accidentally cut off part of his middle finger while working at a shoe factory and had to give up playing sports. Needing to keep his mind busy, he worked at a drug store for a year and a half. Walgreen moved to Chicago in 1893 where over 1,500 drug stores competed. He didn't want to depend on his family's resources, so he worked at several drug stores and convinced one of the owners to let him buy the business. It took him years to pay off the loan. Walgreens has grown into a pharmacy store chain selling a wide range of products, including cosmetics, personal care, sexual wellness, contacts and glasses, school and office supplies, pet supplies, small appliances, groceries and seasonal products. They sell natural and organic products, too. Show Less