History and Longevity of Walgreens vs CVS

The debate over which drugstore has been around longer, Walgreens or CVS, has sparked interest for many years. Both companies have left a significant impact on the pharmacy industry, but Walgreens has the historical advantage dating back to its founding in 1901. While CVS was established in 1963, both currently operate a large number of pharmacies across the United States.

Foundation and Early Days

Charles R. Walgreens, the founder of Walgreens, established the company in 1901. The early 1900s marked the beginning of a retail revolution that would shape the pharmacy landscape for decades to come. Walgreens was not only founded but quickly gained a reputation for quality and trust, culminating in the creation of the iconic slogan "Trusted Since 1901."

CVS: The New Kid on the Block

While Walgreens had already made its mark in the early 20th century, CVS, which began as a mail order pharmacy, was founded in 1963. The late 1960s and 1970s saw significant growth for both companies, with CVS making key acquisitions that propelled its expansion. In the late 1970s, CVS bought Revco and Peoples Rx, marking a substantial step in its growth trajectory.

Present Day Pharmacy Landscape

Today, both Walgreens and CVS stand as industry leaders, with a combined network of nearly 20,000 pharmacies across the USA. In Minnesota, for instance, Walgreens appears to have established itself earlier than CVS. Local residents often recall not seeing CVS pharmacies until around the year 2000, highlighting the significant gap in their presence compared to Walgreens.

Company Evolution

Walgreens continued to build on its legacy, expanding its services and introducing new technologies. By the 1990s, Walgreens had already begun integrating advanced healthcare services into its pharmacies, setting a trend for future growth in the sector. In contrast, CVS capitalized on its acquisitions to diversify its offerings and expand its customer base, becoming a formidable competitor.

Conclusion

While CVS has certainly grown into a prominent player in the pharmacy industry, Walgreens remains a cornerstone of retail pharmacy, with an unassailable lineage stretching back over a century. The early 1900s marked the beginning of Walgreens' journey, which continues to this day, making it the pioneer in what has become a highly competitive and evolving market.

Both companies have played pivotal roles in transforming the pharmacy landscape, and their ongoing success is a testament to innovation and adaptability. Whether you are a long-time customer of Walgreens or a newer customer of CVS, both brands continue to serve millions of Americans with a wide range of healthcare solutions, from prescription drugs to over-the-counter medications.