Duane Reade

I just bought some holiday cards that appeared to be on clearance. They were on a shelf with a bunch of clearance items and a sign directly over them indicating a clearance price (see photos). Imagine my surprise when I was charged full price at the cash register. Turns out the clearance price was for the item above, which I would have known if my middle-​aged eyes could have made out the tiny print on the label. When I pointed out that the sign was misleading, the manager was incredibly rude and snarky. If he had simply agreed with me and perhaps apologized, I would have been happy – I wasn’t looking for a discount – but instead he was mean. Not OK.

This is so difficult because this location contains such extremes. #1 yes it is expensive, more expensive than most other locations. What can I say? they charge for convenience. #2 THIS PLACE LITERALLY STINKS! I’ve complained so many times to the managers. I thought it was mold/​mildew, but it turns out that it is actually hot garbage from the building next door. They have a loading dock that shares a wall so on really hot days it is unbearably stinky in here. So, so far they have earned negative minus –1000 stars. Now for the good: since Walgreen’s has taken over they have gotten some pretty good generics. That brings us to –990 stars. Brian the pharmacist-​he remembers my name, he remembers my meds (how? I don’t know!!) he remembers my partner. They moved him to the Wall Street location for a long time but now he’s back and earning this place at least +2000 stars. I could switch my preferred pharmacy to the Walgreen’s by my house, but I would much rather go to Brian who knows me and knows my medical history (weird but true!).
Also…it is convenient.

They really need to improve their customer service skills. Staff need to be more polite and more willing to offer assistance. It seems like everyone there hates their job and would rather be anywhere else. It really hurts my desire to come in there because I’d rather not be faced with a grumpy and rude employee who is bothered by a customer speaking to them or having to answer the phone.

Duane Reade (Walgreens) in Tribeca is the pits. The pharmacists are rude and surly. I have lived in the neighborhood for over thirty years and this business does not belong here; they replaced a wonderful family run operation that was polite and caring and always tried to be helpful in explaining medications and possible side effects. This Duane Reade seldom has the medications, it takes sometimes weeks to order. The pharmacists are non communicative and act like there doing you a favor to wait on you. Stay away from this place! Go to either Soho Pharmacy or Kings Pharmacy down the street.

Pharmacy — How can a organization this large need days upon days to «order in» common prescriptions? Getting resolution to insurance issues/​conflicts/​clarifications from the doctors office has taken weeks in some cases. Why? The Dr’s office is adamant that they return calls to the pharmacy, but the pharmacy claims they «never heard anything». Sometimes they hire GREAT people to help, but they never last very long. Might be time to make the extra hike and go to Kings Pharmacy down by Reade Street.

The pharmacist, Brian, is very knowledgeable and helpful.

this is the worst pharmacy i have ever been too. Unfortunately I am stuck here because I work down the block but the pharmacists and staff (especially the young girls) are completely incompetent and some of the slowest moving people I have ever seen. Whether they misplace your prescription, miscount pills, I have even been given some one else’s prescription there is ALWAYS a problem here. On top of that, the sullen girl you works the register is extremely rude and unapologetic even when she makes a mistake. If you can avoid using this pharmacy I would definitely recommend it.

I’ve long considered DR to be the quintessential overpriced New York store. Aligned with D’AG and Food Emporium to relieve New York City residents of the little disposable income left behind after rent and taxes…
However…
Ever since Walgreen’s acquired DR, I’ve seen some serious improvements! Particularly in the snack aisle! The DeLish branded snacks are pretty tasty, and there are often bonus offers like discounts and 5X reward points! Some that I especially like:
1. Blueberry Yogurt Covered Pretzels ($ 1.99) — I have no idea why these are so good, but they are, and I have to practically lock them in my desk to prevent colleague theft (you know who you are!)
2. Nuts! (varies) — great selection of nuts from the simply salted assortments to chocolate covered and even cajun crunch and trailmix! Perfect for a quick boost when you’re laggin’
3. Vitamins (varies) — yes, I know that vitamins are unregulated and it’s possible that a lot of the benefit is mental, but I like the huge selection of vitamins and the tendency for 2 for 1 deals!
PARTING THOUGHT: DR is really getting into the private label game! Would love if they also brought in more of the sandwiches and fruit that they have at other locations!