Walgreens Solving Holiday Problems

• by Sarah Mahoney  @mahoney_sarah, December 18, 2012

In a bid to position itself as a one-stop solution for holiday dilemmas, Walgreens is running new national ads that give a seasonal twist to its “At the Corner of Happy & Healthy” campaign.

One spot features a couple in a car, throwing together last-minute edible snowmen for a party; another shows a little boy dazzling both a classmate and a teacher with his thoughtfulness; another shows off a novel use for holiday portraits. And one spot is devoted to its new magazine: Happy & Healthy, Your Guide to Living Well with Walgreens. 

The new publication, which will be available digitally as well as in print, will features coupons and promotions, as well as health stories and product news.

The ads, via GSD&M in Austin, broke earlier this month, and are a continuation of the “At the Corner of Happy & Healthy” campaign introduced this summer. And spots focusing on its photo gifts are rolling out now. Among the choices are canvas prints and photo books that can be ordered online or with a mobile app, with same day pickup service. 

Separately, the Deerfield, Ill.-based retailer says a switch to private electronic donations at checkout has generated more than $17 million in gifts in the last two months, with proceeds going to charities for cancer, diabetes and disaster relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. 

The change, made in October, allows customers at any of its Walgreens or Duane Reade locations to make contributions in increments of $1, $2, $5 or $10 to their purchase amount. In the past, the retailer says, team members asked customers if they wanted to donate.