Business

Duane Reade stores will be co-branded with Walgreens

New York City’s iconic Duane Reade drugstore nameplate looks like it’s getting downgraded.

At a new store on Seventh Avenue just north of 34th Street, the sign in front reads, “Duane Reade by Walgreens.”

It is the first time the brand has been forced to share billing with its corporate parent.

Walgreen Co. bought the 54-year-old Duane Reade for $1.08 billion in 2010.

A Walgreen spokesperson said Friday the re-branding is being rolled out “in an effort to strengthen recognition among the Walgreens family of companies.”

Most new or remodeled Duane Reades will display co-branded logos to include “by Walgreens,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

It is not known if the re-branding is the first step in doing away with the Duane Reade name.