Duane Reade

I’m livid and had to share what a horrible experience I had here.
I needed a rush print and called to confirm that they would be able to print thank you cards on card stock. The guy on the phone said yep — but he needed until 5:30 pm to have it done (3 ½ hours). I said okay and proceeded to place my order. The order had my cell phone number should there be any problems or should it be ready before the 5:30 timeline.
I arrived around 5:20 and was told that they still have not printed the job, but it appeared to be next in queue. The guy kept asking another cashier why it showed attempts and no prints. They called over the photo tech and he said he would have to ask a manager because it appears they tried to print it and the printer was broken. At this point I have been standing at this counter for almost 15 — 20 minutes.
The manager came down, looked at me and said was «yep…» with an eye roll and shrug that pretty much said that’s your problem. The guy behind the counter told her to come back, and «you cant just brush off a customer like that». She came over huffing and puffing and eye rolling and said «its broken — so that’s it.» (understand at this point i was getting furious). So I asked «if you cant print on cardstock, what can you print?»
Simple question right? She looked at me like I asked her to pull a rabbit from her a$$. In her most exasperated manner, she was like «hello — pictures» (it took everything in my power not to grab her from behind the counter and pummel her — plus I have already been there for 35 minutes.)
So I asked if anyone could let me know what other location had the capabilities to print the cards and if they could transfer it over. Her words (hand to god) were «oh we cant do that — that’s your job». Ever get so mad that you are calmer than you ever thought possible? Yep I was there at that point.
Then when I asked her to give me the nearest location that can help, she goes into the stock room to get me the nearest with photo capabilities. Another manager walked up, seeing that I was still waiting (hitting the 45 minute mark) and said he would ask her if she had anything. He opens the door and she is on her cell phone texting and chit chatting with another employee.
So I lose it and shout «Are you kidding me???» She then comes out, shook her head at me and said «everyone has left for the day — try again tomorrow» and walked away. The whole time the cashiers were so apologetic and trying to help — and were visually horrified by her rude actions. As I was leaving I can hear them saying «I cant believe she treated a customer like that…»
The manager at the Duane Reade on 23^rd and 6^th has no customer service skills at all. I feel bad for the nice cashiers that have to deal with her.. Never again…

Its long been a battle on my block between two powerhouse pharmacy’s Duane Reade and Rite-​Aid. These two would duke it out like the Greek Gods and Titans of yore. One never being more tired than the other. One being open 24 hours and offering slightly bigger discounts than the other to entice the unwitty customer through its doors.
Honestly, CVS is my favorite.hahaha. Duane Reade is cool, but in my opinion, they are the priciest when it comes down to. ummmmm…everything. Thats why i enjoy going to CVS and getting the 20−30% coupons they send my way. Stocking up on tuna and cereal when its on sale. Hey, times are hard and yes, my Unilocalers, the struggle is definitely real… Wait… yupp, you just got hit with jack’s own struggle chronicles. If you see a CVS or Rite-​Aid in the vicinity, take the extra block and go there. Duane reade is not that serious.

I came here because I had placed an online photo order. The process was very quick online, but when I got to the store I wish they would have had someone at the photo counter or at least someone to tell me if I should wait in line or continue to wait by the empty counter.
It would be helpful if they had a sign to tell people to get in line for the register to get help with photos.
Over all my experience was ok.

This location is great, I always appreciate a 24 hr pharmacy with employees that don’t treat you like an annoyance when you request their assistance at 5 o’clock in the morning. I work at a hotel nearby, a guest requested to have someone from our staff bring them a OTC. Unfortunately we can not give them something we have but we can however go get anything from the store that a guest request. The gentleman who answered the phone was very helpful over the phone and even offered to find the best possible rate for the OTC since I wasn’t able to go to the store and pick it myself and then held the item at the counter for one of our employees to pick up for the guest. It was a quick process of 15 mins to complete this guest request. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation.

The mismatched doors here madden nearly everyone going in and out (often simultaneously), but it was painless enough once inside and I made a sharp turn to use the Redbox kiosk.

Store #14 160
With a company move comes adjusting to surroundings where I’ve turned to 23^rd Street/​Sixth Avenue and in a sure fire way, a Duane Reade pops up. This Duane Reade houses a huge frozen foods department but no prepared foods and no in-​house bakery either. Good size retail space. It appears Duane Reade is shunning out brand name to stock more of their own Delish brand as I did not see many snack food options. To dispel stress I munch away with food but many chips are the Delish brand as I was disappointed. When in doubt a bag of Fritos honey BBQ chips at $ 1.49 gets the job done.

Come on Unilocalers, as Erasure would say «Oh baby please give a little respect to me»
This DR isn’t that bad. It’s usually well stocked and I rarely walk out of here without getting what I needed (unless I forget it and then I’m halfway home and then I’m like «crap, I forgot to get laundry detergent and sunscreen»)
The line moves fairly quickly at checkout. One odd thing: there was no «pen» attached to the card pad so I had to sign with my finger, which was weird. I don’t like using my finger for purposes other than those specifically intended.
So Unilocalers, why don’t you try to discover, a little something to make you sweeter and open your arms out to this Duane Reade.
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* Here’s the video from 1988, this was actually a pretty great song

If it werent for the convience, I would never go here, but I really needed ibuprofen, tissues and a protein bar.
Also, why must I be followed very obviously by store staff? Isn’t that the purpose of cameras?
Whatever, Duane, I’m going to break up with you one day.

You know it, and I know it: Duane Reade is a crappy drug store. That being said, sometimes you need to snag some light bulbs, and this store is open 24 hours. You can’t really argue with necessity.

Packed aisles, and not always the best of organization.
Interestingly enough, no 99 cent greeting card section.
And pens. lots of blue, not so much black. Not sure why that day…
Efficiency of staff… not so much. Three people at the front, only one checking people out. The other two, not sure what they were up to, but they were possibly just «on-​break» at that moment.
Still, a decent selection of drinks and snacks, a downstairs filled with personal items and things for the local residents to restock their bathrooms and more with. Nothing special, but nothing wrong, either.

word up duane reade. i like you. you have nice clean & organized aisles, a good variety of products, and a super fun candy section.
HOWEVER, sorry your employees have to do their job. i didn’t realize how awful of a person i must be to think that they’d want to ring me up or give me my prescription. i must be an idiot.

One of the more humble sized locations it’s location is ever populated with people all times of day.
I am surprised at how much more friendlier the staff seemed to be here. Perhaps it’s the older age range of the staff here who are more inclined to actually help you than get back at their buddies on their sidekicks.
…and clean aisles! It’s actually shoppable here.