Kroger and Walgreens partner to pilot new store format

Kroger Co. and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. have partnered to pilot a new store format that will bring together Kroger's grocery business and Walgreens' pharmacy business. Customers can order groceries online and pick up orders at participating Walgreens stores. Thirteen Walgreens stores in Northern Kentucky located near Kroger's headquarters have been chosen, and the pilot will last over the next few months. Kroger's private-label Our Brands will be available at the participating Walgreens as well. Kroger shares are up 2.4% in Tuesday premarket trading while Walgreens stock is unchanged. For the year to date, Kroger stock has gained 4.7%, Walgreens shares have fallen 0.2%, and the S&P 500 index has gained 9.4%.

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