America's Corner Store: Walgreen's Prescription for Success

By John U. Bacon

Book Overview

Praise for America's Corner Store

"Who would have thought the story of a drugstore chain could encompass so much vital and fascinating American history? With superb storytelling skills, John Bacon gives us a vivid and insightful chronicle of matters both large and small, from the birth of the milkshake to the rise of America's consumer culture. America's Corner Store is a genuine treat."
-James Tobin
the National Book Critics' Circle--Award winner, and author of To Conquer the Air: The Wright Brothers and the Great Race for Flight

"Run the business with your head. Lead the family with your heart. Walgreens' history is filled with good values, strong principles, and immense courage. A family business classic."
-Howard "Howdy" S. Holmes
President and CEO, "Jiffy" Mixes

"John Bacon has crafted a thorough, insightful, readable, and fascinating account of the development of Walgreens: one of the world's most compelling examples of the creation of shareholder value in conjunction with good corporate governance... all in a company run in a highly unique fashion as a 'family' business. As the store that everyone knows, Walgreens has become the envy of corporate America and the darling of shareholders, consistently producing investor returns that place it at the very top among its peers. This book will be required reading in my private equity class at Michigan Business School."
-Professor David Brophy
Director, Center for Venture Capital and Private Equity Finance, University of Michigan Business School

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471426172
• ISBN13: 9780471426172
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 255 Pages
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.2" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

really good

I got what I expected. Shipping was super fast which is really appreciated. Book was in new condition as described.

Interesting bit of history...

I already knew that I liked and respected Walgreens business plan and practices but in reading this book I find that the entire foundation of the drug store is impressive and the characters involved in its conception are intriguing. I recommend this book as a great bit of non-fiction and an impressive model for future businesses.

How did the corner drug store evolve?

For those wondering about how we have developed our modern pharmacy retail this is a great book to start with. It shows how the downtowns and suburbs evolved over Walgreens long history. You can see the importance of the pharmacist in American life by watching the growth of this spectacular company. Although I would have like a little more time spent on where the future lies in this business and whether the corner drug store will continue to thrive this is a great book. For those looking for an introduction into retail pharmacy this is a great start.

Great book on a surprisingly abosrbing subject!

John Bacon's AMERICA'S CORNER STORE is a world-class story about a world-class business and the businessmen and women behind it. It is one of those histories that goes well beyond the subject at hand to paint a picture across a huge canvas of American history and does so with great attention to detail and the ability to bring its characters and settings to life. It reminded me in some ways of SEABISCUIT---both are stories about subjects that wouldn't normally grab my attention. But because of the writer's skill, this book is also a must-read---if for nothing more than the wonderfull little facts you learn along the way: that the milk shake was invented at Walgreen's; that the Walgreen chain understood that excellent customer service begins with excellent employee-relations decades BEFORE the age of CRM! Bacon is the author of a terrific history of University of Michigan hockey program, BLUE ICE, and this is a great follow up to that book. Read them and see if you don't agree!

A Wonderful History of a Great Business

The impact that a corner drug store can have on America is simply astonishing. Anyone interested in the last hundred years of American history will love the book. There are also plenty of valuable business lessons to be found within the pages. A great read, John Bacon does a great job of bringing to life one of the most storied retail enterprises in the history of business.