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.
We recently got a Walgreen in my area. I found that they sometimes have great sales, much better then CVS. At lest that’s how it is in my neck of the woods.
We recently got a Walgreen in my area. I found that they sometimes have great sales, much better then CVS. At lest that’s how it is in my neck of the woods.
I have to admit I was impressed with the new Walgreens. But I am a loyal CVS shopper!
My vote goes to Whalegreens. Save the Green Whales !!
🙂
We just got a Walgreens here within the last year and that means we now have 5(?) places in which to fill prescriptions. In a city of about 20,000. We must be a bunch of sickos to need THAT much drugs. 😉 However, we have 3,486 pizza places. Hmmm–drugs and pizza. I guess THAT makes sense. 😀
Reeeeeaally not necessary. I get my meds from India. Cheap. No Rx needed and they mail them to me.
Oh yeah, that makes A LOT of sense! HA!
Really?
We have a CVS and a Walgreens and a Rite Aid, and a pharmacy in all the major supermarkets. Damn! Are we really that sick with only 70,000 people? I’d rather have another Starbucks too! Or Dunkin’ Doughnuts! Or maybe a Chipendales!
Ahahahahahahha! Chipendales!
When we lived in Maine I too was a dedicated CVS shopper. I loved the pharmacist. It was great. But, Walgreens is even starting to compete with Wal-mart down here in the south.
I hope it’s a right turn for you into Walgreens!
Jackie:-)
I’ve decided to stay loyal to my CVS.
Except for when I need to buy things only Walgreens carries!
I’d say go with personal convenience and best prices.
I have a mall directly across the street from where I live. There is no pharmacy, there is no grocery store, there is nothing in it. It’s a big cavernous dump with a couple crappy stores. Hmm… just thought of a good topic to write about.
You’re welcome!
Oh yeah, CVS and Walgreens are in this major war for customers. CVS is the better one, I agree. Walgreens is just more expensive. But talk about guilt! I walk around with guilt because I’ve been getting my scrips at Wally World. I hate Wally World, for a whole lotta reasons, so I feel like I’m selling out. But come on, scrips for $4? I’m so there!
4$ scripts? Wow! You just can’t beat that!
Let your money do the talking 🙂
🙂
In these parts, there the ubiquitous Shopper’s drug mart. Then there’s Rexall which is fiercely trying to compete but instead has become my favourite place to buy chips (?)
err… unless they are homeopethic or ayurvedic.
Anything else, are you absolutely sure they are not fake ?
They’re generic. Been using them for years. Here’s the link:
https://www.aclepsa.com/
The Walgreens/Ekards/CVS battle has been going on down here for a while. Several have opened up and closed within a year. Not sure of the strategy, but it does make it nice for the consumer to have the choices. Nice place to get your overpriced milke and cold medicine. With all of the local grocery stores and chains (Walmart, Target) getting into the Pharmacy business, it seems to be a dying market. We even have one local, old school pharmacy (Ed’s Pharmacy) that is bucking the trend to stay alive.
And just wait a couple of weeks. They’ll be a new Starbucks pop up nearby.
Sometime when I was living in NY, a Walgreens was built here but I have never gone. I really should, just to see what they have to offer. Honestly though, I think the last time I was at a drug store was near Valentine’s Day when I was out shopping with my mother!
I do love the convenience of having a store so close and with so many
sundries!
Hmmmm….
Yeah, I have definitely OVER paid just for a gallon of milk.
I’d rather drive across the street than down the highway to a grocery store.
“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.”
Bwhahahahahahahaha! Oh, you CRACK me up!
Funny you mentioned Walgreens, because while living in Florida I shopped there a lot. They’re EVERYWHERE. So are Eckerd’s. Then, when I moved back east I discovered CVS, and OMG…I LOVE IT! I can spend THREE hours just in the cosmetic and beauty section alone! And not only do they have a HUGE selection of great stuff, but I’ve also found them cheaper than most drug stores. I also shop at Rite Aid for certain things, but hands down…I will always be more loyal to CVS.
X
I was amazed. Truly. They have items ranging from clothes to candy bars.
you probably wont believe my story, so there’s a very long street near my house (the main street in front of the gate of housing-complex i’m living in). and there are about, err… probably 10 drug-stores in that loooong street. and inside the housing complex? there are 2. none of them seem anywhere near in closing their business, though, thank God.
I know. CVS rocks. But I think they might lose this battle.
Time will tell.
Thanks for stopping by Ron!
🙂
That’s odd!
You’d probably love it here then. The place I live has at least a minimum of 6 pharmacies within 10 feet of each other! LOL!
Get.Out.
I’d never be able to make a decision!
I love Walgreens. We have 3 pharmacies within half a mile from each other. Since everything is 10 miles from my house, that half a mile makes them almost as close as your 2. Our 3 pharmacies are able to coexist My pet peeve is that none of them are open 24 hours. Dunkin Donuts allows you to have a coffee emergency at 3am but if you need medication you are out of luck.
Yeah, neither of these are open 24 hours either.
I thought for sure the ONLY reason they were even building a Walgreens was
because they would be open 24 hours. Clearly, I was wrong.
Do either of them sell beer, because that’s the one I would shop at!
Do either of them sell beer, because that’s the one I would shop at!
Sadly, no.
They need to build a Duane Reade, cheap beer at those places (but there’s too many in Manhattan.)
They only sell alcohol in Liquor Stores and bars here in NJ.
You can’t even buy beer in a grocery store!
Hahaha! You know, it’s a recognised sales strategy to build similar stores next to each other. They figure that if you’ve gone out to buy a dress, and you see six dress stores in the same area, you’ll just buy more dresses. Or something. Not sure how that applies to prescription meds .. but thinking about that will give ME a headache! LOL!
yeah, you cheated and up against a wal…too. i love walgreens, not cvs (although they have great cookies) and as a jerseyan, i hate that freggin no left turn. i hate freaking u-turns. sometimes i have to drive out of the way just to get to the other side. i feel like that stupid chicken in the riddle.
Wow – you definitely thought ahead on this one. I have to agree with you though, that is probably what will end up happening – one store closing eventually. Oh well, enjoy it while you can. You may want to keep your prescriptions at one place just to make it easier on yourself, but shop for other stuff at the other place for variety. So, to answer your question, no, it is totally NOT necessary but since they are already there now, it’s nice to have choices. 🙂 How was that for a wishy washy answer? LOL.
They do the same thing with Home Depot and Lowes. Built one of each less than a mile apart… in the same year… Across the street from an ACE Hardware store… Personally I don’t get the logic.
Im telling ya! It’s madness!
OMG! The U-Turns! It’s enough already. WTH.
I just want to make a Left!
Love you, Valerie!
I liked your reply Teeni!
I am keeping my scripts at CVS.
And – I will remain loyal to that store.
Unless of course I REALLY need something ONLY Walgreens carries and saves me
a trip to the DREADED grocery store!
Okay, now that’s totally INSANE!
You dirty, two-timing bitch! I knew something was up when I saw that look on your face yesterday. I’m going to spit in your Paxil next time you come in, and then post embarrassing photos of you on my Facebook page.
Your former boyfriend,
CVS