Walgreens third of four drug stores at SR 347/238 intersection

Following Bashas’ pharmacy and CVS, its neighbors across the street which opened in the last year, and a couple of months ahead of Fry’s Marketplace, Walgreens recently opened its new location on the northwest corner of SR 347 (John Wayne Parkway) and SR 238. Walgreens’ official grand opening is set for Sunday, May 15, but the store has been open and serving Maricopa.

This Walgreens has a few new features that stand out from the rest of the chain’s drug stores. One is a state-of-the-art photo lab. Maricopa’s Walgreens is the only one in the state offering the Fuji film development machine (other Walgreens use a GFA Kodak developer). This shift will allow for a higher quality picture to be developed.

Another unique feature is store manager Norm Varier’s authority to buy items and expand inventory. This means he can tailor the store to the needs of the buyers, resulting in a larger and more personalized selection.

A third notable feature is the design of the pharmacy, a department for which Walgreens is best known. Its ‘L’ shape layout creates an atmosphere of a doctor’s office waiting room. It is staffed with two full-time and one part-time pharmacists. The pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Finally, the store is equipped with a 360-degree cosmetic counter giving it a “department store” feel. The main cosmetic line sold at Walgreens is Isadora. Isadora has been an exclusive cosmetic line of Walgreens for five years.

Varier, who has been with Walgreens for 28 years, runs the store along with three assistant managers. Walgreens “wants to be here when they (community) need it,” said Varier, who has been with company since he was 17 years old.

Store Manager Norm Varier.

Walgreens store hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.