Cheap buys at the Drugstore

Target is even cheaper than the drugstore. Especially for items like makeup

Without taking anything away from my favorite store in the whole world ("Tarzhet"), it is cheaper to get some products from stores like CVS, especially when their coupons are available. Make-up items are often 50% off with a coupon, or are a "bogo" deal. And if the items are discounted with the store card, it's even cheaper. I'm a late convert to CVS, but like it mostly because I've gotten good bargains there.

I agree, since CVS rolled back into town (anybody remember when they here the first time and Sav-on purchased all their "tiny" stores?) they offer (from time-to-time) great deals on cosmetic items, combined with in-ad coupons and your savings card.

Without the item on sale, coupons and savings card, I don't touch their stuff and just go to Target and Wal-Mart.

Also, some Rite-Aid locations that have outdoor and seasonal items, you can make a real killing once the season is almost over, or at the end of a holiday (Christmas, Valentines, Easter, Halloween...too bad you don't see Hanukkah candy reduced...lol), real good deals on candy, decorations, etc., not just at Rite-Aid, but really any store that carries seasonal merchandise.

I'm not sure I agree with the web site on the milk pricing. If I rememeber, CVS runs their milk everyday at $3.99 a gallon. Because of California's crazy regulations regarding milk prices, it'a always cheaper to buy two at the full-price chain stores, which works out to approximately $2.60 per gallon.

In a pinch, 99c Only Stores has quarts of milk for 99c.

I also don't agree with the suggestion on over-the-counter medications. To me, Rite-Aid, CVS and Walgreens are always higher than Wal-Mart, Target and the rare times I go to K Mart (anybody notice that the Northridge K Mart is closing? After that location closes, the only valley K Mart location left will be North Hollywood.)

I would add that Rite-Aid though is good place to go for Thrifty ice cream in a cone or cup, much cheaper than Baskin-Robbins, Haagen-Dazs, Cold Stone, etc.

By the way, has anybody noticed that since CVS took over the Sav-on stores, as well as their newly opened stores that they offer a very pleasant shopping expereince? Their stores are clean, remodeled and organized. Some of the aisles have added lighting so that you can see the product clearly. The stores are quieter too, but that's the carpeting effect.

But at Rite-Aid, some of the stores are so tired and worn out, many look as though they haven't been remodeled since their Thrifty days!

I thought your father was cheap? Maybe he doesn't visit the drugstore often and leaves that end to your mother?...lol

SO_CAL_RETAIL_SLUT

Went to Rite-Aid today and Xmas stuff was already 50% off...

Has anyone been to the CVS at Nordhoff and Balboa? It's depressing just walking in there, needs remodeling desperately. I've been living near there for more than 25 years and it has had the same narrow aisles, dim lighting and less than presentable merchandise stands. I feel like I'm back in the 70s when I walk in there but I go there mostly for prescriptions and leave asap. Target across the street is much more consumer friendly.

On Friday mornings, Walgreens offers 5 cent coffee. Not sure if all Walgreens offer it, but the Northridge one on Reseda/Devonshire does. And it's great coffee!

Marie,
Thanks for adding this tip. I've blogged before about the Walgreen 5-cent coffee and it sounds like a great deal. Not all stores offer it, however, so best to call ahead. ~Julia

To Deb,

Yesterday, Wednesday, December 18, 2008, on my way to Northrdige Toyota, I purposely stopped in the CVS store you mentioned at Balboa and Nordhoff.

The location originally opened as CVS, became Sav-On Express, and as you mentioned is back as CVS. To me, the store appears remodeled, but it is small as compared to larger Sav-on locations converted into CVS, or built new from the ground up. Hopefully CVS will replace the store with a free-standing store nearby. I haven't been in a former CVS/Sav-on Express/CVS in a long time and forgot how narrow the aisles in those stores are!

Also, the Albertsons in the same center is an absolute disgrace. I ran in for second and could not believe how worn out and dirty the store is. It's as if Supevalu (Albertsons parent) is just taking advantage of the neighborhood as if they are blind. Very sad, considering some of the prices Albertsons charges when the item is not on sale. Frankly, worse than many of the hispanic-themed markets I've been in.

At least, you have that nice and fairly new Target across the street that replaced the former old and tired Gemco/Target on the same spot. Target did a nice job with that store! Nowhere to expand, place parking on the first level and build the store on top!

SO_CAL_RETAIL_SLUT

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Ms. So_Cal_Retail_Slut, are you saying that the Target at Balboa/Nordhoff used to be a Gemco? (What is "Gemco/Target"? I don't recall their ever being combined.) I have no recollection of there ever having been a Gemco there, and I taught in that general location from '68 to '88. I don't get around to that area in Northridge much anymore--are you saying it's now a two-level store? Years ago there was a Gemco where the Target now is on Corbin in Northridge. Are you thinking of that?