Walgreens' lost decade: How M&A mania and retail neglect shrunk a $100 billion giant to a $10 billion private equity gamble
Briefly

Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Tim Wentworth's comments on the impact of security measures on sales have reignited criticism about the company's approach to retail. Locking items behind glass has frustrated customers and significantly hampered sales. Wentworth explained that loss from theft prompted these measures, but his comments highlighted the deeper issues Walgreens faces, such as dwindling profit margins in both front-store and pharmacy segments. As a result, the company reported substantial losses totaling $11.7 billion in 2023 and 2024, intensifying scrutiny on Walgreens' operational strategy.
Wentworth's remark about locking up items hurting sales sparked widespread criticism, demonstrating that even a veteran CEO might overlook fundamental retail dynamics.
Analysts highlight that Walgreens' long-ignored retail business has suffered, leading to substantial losses in 2023 and 2024, impacting the overall profitability.
Read at Fortune
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