When I first moved into my current complex around six years ago, my favorite pharmacy was located far, far, away, in another galaxy. And by that, I really just mean a few hundred yards down the highway. But, still. I found it to be quite inconvenient. Probably because it was also located on the opposite side of the highway, and anyone from New Jersey knows that you cannot make a ‘Left Turn’. Therefore, I always had to make U-Turns and/or take Jug-Handles in order to simply fill a prescription. And I have to fill a lot of prescriptions.
One of the happiest days of my life was the day they opened a CVS just a ‘Stones Throw’ away from my house. Of course, that term is subjective to how far one can throw a stone. And yes, I realize how sad my life is when one of my ‘happiest days’ revolves around the location of a pharmacy.
Recently they’ve built another pharmacy, Walgreens. However, I’m just a little confused. I mean, is this really necessary?
On the one hand, I think this might be good for the economy, considering the new store provides local job opportunities. And, as a consumer, I’m happy about the fact these two competing pharmacies will inevitably drive each others prices down. Which will be great – at first. On the other hand, what’s going to happen when one of those stores loses that battle? They won’t be able to pay the overhead costs resulting from price-cuts, subsequently causing one of them to close their doors. Eventually, that would be bad for the economy. Yes?
[Side bar: Wow. That whole thought process just gave me a headache. Good thing there are two pharmacies located directly across the street so I can go buy some Tylenol.]
Anyway….
I have been a loyal CVS shopper for many, many, many years. It has been my personal ‘little pharmacy that could’. They have been there for me whenever I’ve needed them. However, I just couldn’t resist the temptation to investigate the new Walgreens. Now I have to admit, I felt guilty the moment I stepped into the store. I wasn’t expecting to be so impressed with the wide isles and product selections. But I was. Before I knew it I was loading up my cart with this special and that special, and holy hell look at those ‘half-off sales’. By the time I finished shopping and reached the register, I actually felt like I had cheated on my beloved CVS.
Too bad my town didn’t build a Starbucks or a Dunkin Donuts instead.
Jayne, I can’t believe you do that. Seriously, aren’t you worried about fake ingredients, hygiene and accidentally getting curried to death?
I’ll never understand the whole multiple pharmacy in a 3 block range – I guess, “If you build it they will come” There are at least 6 pharmacies in walking distance – 1/2 mile from my house. A Walgrens, 2, YES 2 Rite aids a block away from each other (one was an eckard but then Rite Aid took them over) – a few little private one that I don’t know how the hell they stay in business and then new one at the grocery store behind our house.) Of course there is also a hospital, a childrens hospital, Eastern VA Medical School and Ronald McDonald house withing the same 1/2 mile so I guess their is a need for a lot of tylenol, but still – build me a damn roller rink or putt-putt. – Check it out – http://maps.google.com/maps?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=pharmacies+in+Ghent,+Norfolk,+VA&fb=1&gl=us&hq=pharmacies&hnear=Ghent,+Norfolk,+VA&ei=k4jrTO6cOJLmsQOl9oi5Dw&sa=X&oi=local_group&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CAcQtgMwAA
As much as I wanted to hate Walgrens, and as much as they annoy the hell out of me because they make their cashiers greet every single person walking in the store and ask u every time you are checking out if you want to buy whatever crap they have for sale at the desk – I secretly love them. Any place you can go to at any hour of the day, any day of the year, when you have kids is ok – and their cigs are cheap too!
…or they’ll drive each other’s prices up.
I always get annoyed when shops proudly proclaim that they’re ‘competitively priced!’. It’s just a fancy way of saying they’re all ripping us off.
Ahahahahahahahahhahahahah!
Oh please forgive me CVS.
It was a mistake!
I’m a huge fan of cheap cigarettes, and 24 hour access.
But sadly, my Walgreens charges 8$ a pack [along w/ every other store in NJ]
And this branch is NOT open 24/7.
*sigh*
True.
By far the most puzzling store placement I’ve ever encountered was two Mobil gas stations across the street from each other. I had to look up “jug handles” because I’ve never heard that term used. Apparently I’ve used them because we have them in Michigan, too. We also have the “Michigan left”, which is the most annoying and gas-burning feat of road engineering I’ve ever encountered. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Median_u-turn_crossover
I know this will sound odd but here in Ohio (well actually I am in Sedona but I consider Ohio my residence) Anyways, I have digressed, many and I mean many of our corners are One side Walgreens and the other side CVS and they have been that way for years now. I thought it was odd when it happened,now I find it odd if I don’t see them across from each other (LOL)
OMG! Why do they have to make driving so much more complicated!
And two Mobile gas stations across the street from each other?
That is stone.cold.fuck.nuts!
I just think it’s totally bazaar!
Nooooo, Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts … YUM! But al least with a walk into Walgreens, the guilt lies elsewhere and NOT on your hips.
Starbucks guilty hips = totally worth it!
I find it hard to resist those bright, shiny aisles of new stores but I also like to be loyal to stores that I have shopped at for years. You could always shop at Walgreens in disguise!!
Ahahahha! Maybe I will!
“curried to death” ahahahahahhahaha!
Okay, come back, baby. All is forgiven. I myself have glanced more than once at that cute little Rite-Aid downtown.
YAY!
I think it’s strange when they do that, but think about what Starbuck’s has done for years to squash their competition. Move in right next door. CVS has taken over a local favorite and I am not a lover of CVS for that. Good on you for your duplicity. Ha!
xoxox
I find it strange when very similar stores are only a block or so away from each other. Weird!
It drives me nuts!
We don’t really have any CVS pharmacies around our immediate area. They’re all over the place in Julia’s hometown, though. All we have around here are Walgreens. There’s one on every corner.
They are out of control!