"People realize we are a very responsible retailer," said Robert Elfinger, a Walgreen Co. spokesman. "They trust us to sell alcohol responsibly in Tennessee."
The national drugstore chain has had a mostly no-alcohol policy after it quit selling spirits in the mid-1990s, but customers have told them they want the convenience, Elfinger said. The chain also feels a need to keep up with competitors, Elfinger said.
CVS and Rite Aid drugstores already sell beer in Tennessee.
Nashville customer Nancy McClellan, 34, welcomes the change in Walgreens' policy, a move that's being made nationally.
"I get my film developed here, get my medication, my snacks," said McClellan, a literacy coach who lives in Madison. "If people want to get their beer here, too, that would be a convenience. Plus, it's open 24 hours."
Walgreens President and CEO Greg D. Wasson told analysts in September that he expects beer sales to take a modest amount of total shelf space in a typical store. "We believe it will increase basket size and drive traffic in our stores," Wasson said.
Nashville stores will have two to four refrigerated shelves offering a "small selection" of beer, including domestic and import brands, Elfinger said. Stores also may end up carrying local brews.
Beer will be sold in six- and 12-packs, as well as in cases. Stores will not sell single beers or 40-ounce bottles.
In states where wine sales are permitted, Walgreens is adding wine to its lineup, as well, Elfinger said. Tennessee permits wine to be sold only in liquor stores, but lawmakers are considering whether to permit wine sales in supermarkets and other shops where beer is sold.
Walgreens used to operate full-fledged liquor departments at its stores, selling beer, wine and liquor according to whatever local laws permitted, Elfinger said.
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