When you think of American stores, you may envision large buildings like Costco or Walmart, filled with rows upon rows of massive products. While this is indeed true, and shopping at places like Costco or Walmart can be cost-effective for those staying in the US for an extended period, it can be overwhelming with the sheer quantity for many tourists.
That’s why I’d like to recommend smaller-scale supermarkets where you can find reasonably sized quantities of products. Some notable options include Ralphs, Walgreens, and Whole Foods Market, which caters to health-conscious customers. In this case, I’ll introduce Walgreens, which has nine stores in Washington, D.C.
About Walgreens
Walgreens is a major pharmacy chain that operates nationwide, alongside CVS Pharmacy.
While I introduced it as a supermarket, its core business is operating as a pharmacy chain, simultaneously offering food products.
However, for most tourists, the notion of buying medication at an American pharmacy may not be relevant, so remembering “Walgreens = Supermarket” will suffice.
In Washington, D.C., there are a total of nine Walgreens stores. One particularly convenient location for many tourists is the store in the underground concourse of Union Station, where many tour companies are located. This store operates from 6 am to 10 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 10 pm on weekends, allowing you to visit before your morning sightseeing or in the evening after your sightseeing activities.
Another store I’d like to highlight is located near Metro Center Station, where 12th Street and F Street intersect. This store opens at 7 am on weekdays, which should still be sufficient for most tourists.
There is also a 24-hour store located at the intersection of 22nd Street and M Street. This store is in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, known for being a student area and its proximity to Georgetown, making it convenient for those staying in this area.
In addition to the mentioned locations, there are six more Walgreens stores throughout the city. Feel free to use them based on your place of stay or the places you’re visiting.
Consistent Product Offerings, typical of American chain stores
This applies not only to Walgreens but to chain stores throughout the United States. Unlike Japanese chain stores where the product offerings and display methods may vary between locations, American chain stores operate under a centralized management system that controls everything from product lineups to display methods and sales tracking.
As a result, as a customer, you can expect that the products you’re looking for will be consistently available at any Walgreens store, offering them at affordable prices.
Products are typically larger than in other countries
Even though we’re talking about smaller-scale stores, they are still in the United States, and one characteristic you’ll notice is that most of the products are larger than other countries.
Many tourists often look to purchase beverages and snacks during their stay. In such cases, it’s important to be aware that even in smaller stores, the products themselves tend to be larger than those in your country.
For example, in many countries, you can purchase a single 500ml bottle of Coca-Cola, while in American supermarkets, they are typically only sold in packs of at least six bottles.
Additionally, since the products are larger, they are ideal for souvenirs or gifts, but in that case, be sure to check if the contents are individually packaged and if there are an adequate amount. Despite the large packaging, you might find that the contents are simply loose inside, or the quantity is actually low, as they could be packed as one large piece. So, paying attention to the quantity and individual packaging is crucial.
Mastering Walgreens in Washington, D.C.
As one of the major chain stores in the United States, Walgreens offers a wide range of products suitable for your stay or souvenir shopping. By keeping in mind that the products are larger than those in your country, you can make informed choices and avoid any shopping mishaps. Since it’s a well-established store, you can shop with confidence and enjoy your experience.
