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I recently attended the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at Walgreen’s Union Square on the corner of 4th Ave and 14th Street. Was I in for a surprise! As someone who lived in the New York city for more than 25 years, I could immediately see that this fancy upgrade at this Walgreens Union Square location gives new meaning to happy and healthy.
You needn’t be a city person to appreciate what a modern drugstore can be. But there are certain experiences one commonly associates with the drugstores of old that this location dispels. Think dark and poorly lit, narrow aisles, and dusty products. None of this is true of the newly upgraded Walgreens Union Square location.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT AT HAPPY AND HEALTHY WALGREENS
Upon entering the Walgreens Union Square location there is an immediate sense of light made possible by the large windows framing the space at street level. This made me feel happy and healthy the way natural sunlight does. I was thrown off however by the sushi location that sits front and to the left as one enters the store. It is so unexpected in a drugstore.
Even if you do not eat sushi, it is reassuring that most of the time you can identify what you are eating when you eat sushi. There’s no multiplicity of ingredients to CONFUSE your decision. Other than determining whether crab is truly crab or imitation crab, you can safely identify avocado and carrots. When I asked if the salmon was wild salmon, I was assured that it is. I ate several pieces that morning, snob that I can be about wild versus farmed. The rice was moist and the sushi made fresh daily was excellent. I think the rice is the secret. If the rice is good there’s a pretty good chance the sushi is moist and tasty.
The coffee stand sits next to the sushi. It was priced competitively, actually it was less expensive and I was told it is tossed every 2 hours. There are daily fresh juices, juiced before your eyes; pastries from Celia’s in Brooklyn trucked in daily; smoothies with names like the Brooklyn Bridge Beet and Grand Central Green that coexist with rice pudding and a choice selection of beers.
WHAT’S NEW AT HAPPY AND HEALTHY WALGREENS
In the past, one of the reasons I have frequented Walgreen’s is to get flu shots and to fill prescriptions. Just a couple of years ago I was searching for the shingles vaccination and a whooping cough shot before seeing my new grandson. Not even my private internist’s office had these formulations. My neighborhood Walgreens was the only place where these vaccinations could be found. The bad part about getting a shot however was having to take this vaccination without privacy. Other customers waiting for service in the Walgreens line could see what was going on. That however is not the case at the Walgreens Union Square location. It is pristine and private with a door to close and once again lighting that helps you feel happy and healthy.
A computerized in and out option for refilling prescriptions is also available. I love being able to simply input the information and be on my way until the prescription has been filled. You are in and out at this location.
The other item in Walgreens that I have a history with is cosmetics. Walgreens Union Square carries the No 7 beauty line from the United Kingdom. It is affordably priced and addresses responsible beauty with products that are not clinically tested on animals. Additionally these are products that offer value prices at something called “masstige” levels (that’s a blend of mass and prestige). The No 7 line is a case in point, appropriate for all stages of aging from the first signs of wrinkles to more mature skin.
At the Walgreens Union Square location your experience is not limited to dollar candy and celebrity magazines. Neighboring competitors are now on notice that they have a real contender for that demographic in search of products that address their needs in responsible and efficient ways.
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Amiyrah says
Excellent post, Patricia! I love the pictures of all of the awesome items that the new Union Square Walgreens offers. Who doesn’t love sushi and a juice bar? #client
Patricia A Patton says
Thanks for reading and commenting Amiyrah. Best thing is that the awesome items actually tasted good and since I am often in that part of the city, I will definitely return.