Understandably, visiting a drugstore is convenient for grabbing a soda can, body lotion, or items other than medications. However, drug stores may charge higher prices for some items. Purchasing these things online or from grocery stores and supermarkets makes good sense.
Here is a list of 17 things you should avoid buying from drugstores.
Cleaning Supplies
Drugstores have a restricted inventory and choices for cleaning supplies. You may end up shelling out more money or buying a brand you don’t use. When you visit large retail stores, try to purchase cleaning supplies in bulk. This will sort you out for a few weeks.
Over-the-counter (OTC) Medications
OTC medications, vitamins, and supplements don’t need a prescription. Hence, you can buy them cheaply from Walmart, Target, or e-commerce websites. You can also avail of special discounts or subscription-based offers. For instance, you can get a Prime member discount on Amazon’s full-service online pharmacy. It also provides access to 80+ eligible generic medications for a flat fee of $5 every month.
Health and Personal Care Items
A study found that drugstores such as CVS and Walgreens were 52% and 42% more expensive than Amazon for health and personal care items. Walmart was the second-lowest-priced retailer in this category.
Diapers
The retail price of a pack of diapers increased 35% from 2019 to 2023. 46% of families have cut back on food, utilities, and entertainment to afford dia in pers. Drugstores sell branded diapers at steep prices or compromise on the quality of low-cost, unbranded diapers. Since babies need a couple of diapers daily, buy them in bulk at affordable rates online or at big-box stores.
Toys
While toy prices have reduced in the past 30 years, other childcare costs have risen significantly. Toys are inevitable in a child’s life; parents don’t want to deprive their children of this joy. Drugstores sell toys at inflated prices and have limited selection on their shelves. Shop online or at brick-and-mortar toy stores.
Books and Magazines
Visit a bookstore or library for your reading needs. It is not worth to spend more money on them at drugstores. You can even save costs by signing up for a magazine subscription that offers a better deal than newsstand prices. You can also explore buying digital versions of books and magazines, which are far cheaper than physical copies.
Milk
Milk is one of the fast-moving items in big-box stores compared to drug stores. Hence, you may often find overpriced milk or one nearing ‘best before’ or ‘best until’ dates at drugstores.
Fresh Produce
You may be making a quick round to the drugstores to buy vegetables and fruits, especially when you need them urgently. Unfortunately, the prices of fresh produce are unreasonable at drugstores. Plan your needs and buy them from farmers’ markets or grocery stores weekly.
Other Food Supplies for the Kitchen
The cost of kitchen pantry supplies touches the roof at many drugstores. Retail stores such as Target, Costco, and Walmart provide attractive deals on spices, snacks, drinks, frozen foods, etc. You can save more money on food supplies if you have store coupons.
Toilet Paper
The average unit price of toilet paper (also known as bath tissue) was $8.91 in June 2022, up 7% from the previous year. Americans use several rolls of toilet paper every month, which can add up to household costs. Buy them in bulk on Amazon, Target, Walmart, Costco, etc.
Toothbrushes
Don’t fall into the temptation of loading toothbrushes randomly in your cart at drugstores. The chances are that they are uneconomical compared to prices at general stores.
Batteries
Batteries are among the most common items found at drugstore checkout counters. Before you put them in your cart, check the prices. Buying them in bulk during sales at hardware stores or warehouse clubs is economical.
Greeting Cards, Gift Cards, and Stationery
You may not give much thought while picking up some last-minute gift cards, greeting cards, or drugstore stationery. The surprise will come at the time of billing. This seemingly minor stuff is quite expensive. Hoard them in bulk during big-box store or dollar store visits. E-cards are also a great option when you don’t have time to buy the physical ones.
Pet Supplies
In 2022, Americans spent $58.1 billion on pet food and treats and $31.5 billion on supplies, live animals, and over-the-counter medications. Maintaining a pet can drain your budget if you are not careful. Pet specialty stores are more affordable than drugstores. Online retailers Amazon and Chewy offer the lowest prices on pet supplies.
Makeup and Beauty Products
Drugstores have dedicated shelves for makeup and beauty products, but the prices can swing upwards. Unless there is some specific reason to buy from drugstores, online or offline beauty specialty stores are inexpensive alternatives. The best part is that you will get more choices for your beauty needs.
Seasonal Items
Seasonal items such as festive decorations, beach chairs, charcoal, firewood, and Halloween candies cost a bomb at drugstores, especially during last-minute rush. Buy these things in bulk online or from thrift stores and retail chains.