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Walgreens Opens at 7th and Hope

By Eric Richardson
Published: Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at 06:50PM
Walgreens Ed Fuentes

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — After years of speculation and months of construction, Walgreens quietly opened its new store at 7th & Hope this afternoon. The 16,500 square foot space is the pharmacy chain's first Downtown.

Those hoping that the new competition would provide some lessons for Rite-Aid won't get much comfort from the new store's hours. Walgreens' hours almost exactly mirror those of the Rite Aid across the street, with the store open 7am to 10pm Monday through Friday, 7am to 8pm on Saturday and 8am to 8pm on Sunday.

Regular hours will get underway Friday morning, and an official grand opening will take place in June.

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Rafael Esparza on May 26, 2010, at 06:57PM – #1

How exciting! Now I won't have to go all the way to Monterey Park!


User_32

bill on May 27, 2010, at 06:09AM – #2

We REALLY needed a second drug store across from Rite Aid. I mean, what if you live on the north side of 7th?


User_32

bill on May 27, 2010, at 06:09AM – #3

We REALLY needed a second drug store across from Rite Aid. I mean, what if you live on the north side of 7th?


Guest 1

Guest on May 27, 2010, at 08:20AM – #4

Let's turn 7th street into drug store row instead of restaurant row!


on May 27, 2010, at 09:25AM – #5

I'm torn, but I think I'll remain loyal to Rite Aid. I think it's just plain mean to open such a competing store next to an ex'g one.


Guest 2

Guest on May 27, 2010, at 09:26AM – #6

I agree with Bill, why does it have to be right across the street from Rite Aid?? and with the same hours?? It makes no sense to me


Guest 2

Guest on May 27, 2010, at 09:26AM – #7

I agree with Bill, why does it have to be right across the street from Rite Aid?? and with the same hours?? It makes no sense to me


Guest 3

Guest on May 27, 2010, at 09:42AM – #8

I'm all for development in DTLA... but it does seem a bit extraneous to have TWO drug stores at the same intersection.


Guest 4

Guest on May 27, 2010, at 10:10AM – #9

Does this Walgreens sell alcohol? I know that Walgreens has reversed its no-alcohol policy recently, but I still have not seen any Walgreens carry alcohol. And honestly, mirroring Rite-Aids hours? This space could have been put to much better use.


Guest 5

Guest on May 27, 2010, at 10:39AM – #10

If Rite-Aid corp keeps losing money as it has for the last few years, soon Walmart will be the only chain pharmacy downtown.


Guest 5

Guest on May 27, 2010, at 10:39AM – #11

If Rite-Aid corp keeps losing money as it has for the last few years, soon Walmart will be the only chain pharmacy downtown.


User_32

J-M on May 27, 2010, at 12:27PM – #12

Actually, it's standard business practice to establish a similar store right next to an existing one. There's already a customer base and, besides, when your competition looks as tired as that Rite Aid it's probably a smart move. Another smart move would be to extend business hours and add booze. I can't believe that empty storefront's FINALLY been filled. Good times for Downtown. Another Fresh and Easy closer to the center would be good too. Ever since they opened the one on Central and Adams, I haven't been back to Trader Joe's and I don't miss it one bit.


User_32

Vero Queero on May 27, 2010, at 09:18PM – #13

My thoughts echo most of the comments above mine. But that said, I'll be perusing their weekly fliers looking for the best deals, and I predict that some items will be cheaper at Walgreens and some will be cheaper at Rite-Aid. The good thing about them being so close is to hit both stores for the bargains, one after the other, on foot. This might actually be a good thing.


Guest 6

Guest on May 27, 2010, at 09:55PM – #14

Here's a good article about the problem of chain retailers like Walgreens and Fresh and Easy: http://davisretail.org/Target/articles/Premium.pdf The study found that spending $100 at one of the neighborhood's independent businesses created $68 in additional local economic activity, while spending $100 at a chain produced only $43 worth of local impact. Basically they are siphoning money out of the community, not to mention packaging the hell out of your food. What are we? Astronauts?


User_32

Greensmark on May 28, 2010, at 02:09AM – #15

I think it's splendid that we have a choice of drugstores; all within walking distance. Having said that, I would underscore #12's comments: That RiteAid is a joke! They are always out of stock and the place is really horrid! I have been told that they are going to remodel the store. Better hurry! OH and it was a joy to going into the store Wednesday afternoon and be greeted by such happy people. It was a lovely soft opening. Seriously, great lighting, good stock and really good prices on things I normally buy. Win-Win!! Of course the next thing you know, every one of the chains will be bought up and renamed Duane Reade!!

Grnsmrk


User_32

on May 28, 2010, at 10:26AM – #16

I'm also not thrilled about having two of the same kind of business, with the same hours, locking up that corner and blocking something more interesting taking it up, but I have been getting increasingly disenchanted with Rite-Aid. The employees seem so uncaring if something is missing or doesn't work (usually all I get in response is a shrug and a blank look) and it does look dim and messy.

I am grateful for them stepping in and helping to anchor the beautiful old May Co building and making it a "living" structure again before all this widescale redevelopment took off, though.


User_32

bill on May 29, 2010, at 06:58AM – #17

Rite Aid is in the old Robinsons's building. I guess it eventually became May, but there was a world of difference in the two stores. Robinsons was upper class, genteel old money. May Co. was middle class shlock. I went in to Walgreens - it was ok. Just another drug store. I was hoping for something special given the location. Prices are high as well. Their stuff is actually higher than Ralphs two blocks away.


User_32

Nancy Richardson () on May 29, 2010, at 11:13AM – #18

It is neater than Rite Aid, but Rite Aid has better prices...plus the Wellness Discount Card gives you a ten to 20% discount on Rite Aid Store Brands.

And when you feel like a little vino, Chateau De Rite Aid Five Oaks brand wine is still gives two buck Chuck a run for your money.

I do wish Rite Aid would actually stock their shelves, tho.


Guest 7

Guest on May 29, 2010, at 05:50PM – #19

Oh, boy, I wonder if I'll see people shoplifting in the Walgreens like I do every single time I go to the other drug stores downtown? The one on Broadway + 5 is the worst, I have seen multiple shoplifters every time I've been there, no exaggeration. Between the stealing and the boozers drinking in the aisles I don't know how they stay in business.


Christophe Serafino on May 29, 2010, at 06:11PM – #20

Guest #19 have you seen the prices at the Rite-Aid on 5th y Broadway? They more than make up for the losses they take in shoplifting. I think I spent $8 on a can of Aveeno shaving gel the other day. Good times.


Guest 8

Guest on May 31, 2010, at 01:24AM – #21

Does this Walgreens have a parking lot or do they validate for any lot nearby?


Guest 9

Guest on June 05, 2010, at 01:25AM – #22

You guys must go into a blogging vortex when faced with two Starbucks stores at the same intersection.


User_32

() on June 06, 2010, at 09:51PM – #23

Went in on Friday. As I walked the aisles my favorite part was hearing "Security, please sweep the store, the guy on 4 just shoved something in his bag" That was pretty funny. No reason to hide the fact that you saw someone swipe something.


User_32

Whitman Lam on June 06, 2010, at 10:48PM – #24

Anything is better than an empty graffiti covered storefront. Fresh and Easy is still my market of choice. Organic veggies aplenty, and their checkout is so fast.


Joshua Lizama on August 29, 2010, at 09:19PM – #25

its good that theres another drug store because theres gonna be lots of competition in prices and it will greatly benefit us customers


Guest 10

Guest on August 30, 2010, at 07:26AM – #26

The State Legislature passed a law prohibiting self checkout of alcoholic beverages...think it's an attack against Fresh and Easy?



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