CVS Pharmacy, a major American pharmacy chain, offers not only medications but also daily necessities and snack items, similar to a convenience store in Japan. With numerous stores located throughout the United States, you’ll come across their signs everywhere in Washington, D.C. Some CVS stores are open 24 hours, just like Japanese convenience stores, while others operate from early morning, such as 6 or 8 am, until late at night, even until midnight. This allows you to visit CVS in the early morning before sightseeing or in the late afternoon/evening after your sightseeing activities.
Here are some highlights of CVS Pharmacy that you won’t find in Japan.
CVS’s Appeal: More than just a pharmacy, practically a convenience store
While Japan has the familiar convenience store chain Seven-Eleven, visiting these stores may not provide the same sense of travel adventure for many Japanese tourists. Of course, American Seven-Eleven stores have a different atmosphere compared to those in Japan, which can be interesting in its own right. However, since you’re traveling all the way to Washington, D.C., it would be more enjoyable to visit a store that is unique to the United States.
That’s where CVS comes in. CVS, which stands for “Customer, Value, and Service,” has the main allure of being available only in the United States. Furthermore, although it’s common for every store to have an online shop accessible from anywhere in the world due to the development of the internet, CVS takes it a step further by restricting access to its website once you step outside of the United States. This means that if you want to shop at CVS, you must be in the United States to purchase their products.
A local atmosphere in a tourist destination provides a comforting environment
While CVS may be located in a tourist destination like Washington, D.C., stepping inside the store reveals a different ambiance compared to the bustling tourist areas. Once inside, time seems to flow at a relaxed pace, and it becomes a gathering place for local residents rather than a typical tourist spot.
Although the store’s name includes “Pharmacy,” it offers not only medications but also cosmetics, household cleaning products, chocolates, snacks, beverages, and other items that are useful for tourists. Additionally, since CVS is a chain store, its prices are generally set at affordable levels, making it an ideal place to purchase souvenirs and gifts that go beyond the usual tourist trinkets.
Now you’re a CVS expert, master the self-checkout
Self-checkout systems, which have become increasingly common in Japan, are also available at CVS. These systems allow you to handle the checkout process yourself.
You can scan the barcodes of the items you want to purchase, select your preferred payment method following the voice prompts, and either scan your credit or debit card on the screen or pass it through the card reader to complete the payment. If you need a bag, you can enter the quantity and make an additional payment. With these simple steps, you can complete your transaction at the self-checkout counter.
While the voice prompts are in English, the screens are large and easy to understand, and you can also observe the process if there is someone in front of you. So, when you visit CVS, I recommend giving the self-checkout a try.
Experience your trip to Washington, D.C., like a local at CVS
With numerous attractions like the White House and the Lincoln Memorial scattered throughout Washington, D.C., attracting tourists from around the world, CVS provides a local atmosphere within a tourist destination. It’s an ideal store for when you feel that regular sightseeing is not enough or when you want to experience the local vibe.
CVS offers a wide range of daily necessities and food items that you won’t find in Japan, allowing you to create unique travel memories. You can also share your experience later by saying, “I visited CVS, an American pharmacy.”
Pennsylvania Avenue
There are many other CVS stores located throughout the city, so if you see their signs, I encourage you to give them a try.
