Photo by Treyevan
For those of you interested in more details on our upcoming move and what an exciting answer to prayer this is for us, you’ll want to check out this post.
The only thing we’re a little sad to leave behind is CVS. Since Walgreens has been ramping it up when it comes to deals, I think I just might be okay without CVS. Maybe. At any rate, knowing that this move was a real possibility for the last little while, I’ve almost completely weaned myself off of CVS, just to make sure I could do it. And I’ve survived, just like the rest of you all who don’t have CVS learn to cope, too. 🙂
The good news is that we’ll be moving to a city with Kroger. After almost a year of living without my beloved grocery store due to its closing in the Kansas City area, I’m beyond thrilled the our new rental home is within a few blocks of a very nice Kroger store. Yay!
Besides Kroger and Walgreens, we’ll also have Target and Wal-Mart and another grocery store that offers double dollar coupons on occasion. So yes, with some minor tweaks to my shopping strategies, I think we’ll make it just fine.
I’d love to hear from those of you who don’t have a CVS store but do have a Walgreens: Do you find that the deals are good enough there to keep you fairly stocked with household/beauty products without spending much out of pocket?
(And by the way, rest assured, just because I won’t have CVS store
nearby anymore, the CVS deal postings here won’t be going anywhere. I
know that plenty of you will be helping me out to keep everyone who
does have a CVS store in the loop about things!)
Adrienne says
Honestly, if I had the choice, I’d much rather have my kroger than either CVS or Walgreens! (And yes, I do have all three to choose from.) My experience with Kroger is I can get just about the same average prices as CVS or Walgreens without the hassle of multiple transactions, etc., something that doesn’t go over very well in my area. Perhaps I’d feel differently if I lived in a location that actually welcomed Wags and CVS shopping in the thrifty sense, but since I don’t, I don’t ever go in those stores and do just find with my grocers. I’m sure you’ll be fine! 🙂
melissa says
Yay! You’re moving by a Kroger. Please Please post more Kroger deals, as you see them. I shop at Kroger, and I really struggle trying to find good deals there, unlike Meijer, where I seem to find much better sales/ads/deals. I also don’t have a ton of time, so if you were to post what you find, that would be so helpful! Thanks!
Kendra says
Yes, Longs was bought out by CVS. So check on that where you’re moving!
We only have Walgreens (and Longs!) and I have been very happy. I don’t pay out of pocket anymore- everything’s on a gift card!
Christie says
Mandi-
I use coupons and still get RR’s back on items at my Walgreen’s all the time. I’ve never had a problem with it, even if it does create an overage situation. I would contact the Walgreen’s customer service and inquire.
AddictedToCoupons says
Did you know there was a CVS advisor program that you could sign up for to get free ECB’s? May not help you out much once you move but I thought your readers might enjoy answering some questions for some free ECB’s. Here is the link to some information:
http://addictedtocoupons.blogspot.com/2008/09/be-cvs-advisor-for-free-ecbs.html
Beulah says
Congrats on the move! I know this is a dream come true for your family! It sounds like it coming just in time – soon you’ll have all the help you’ll need!
make art every day says
i’ve got kroger and walgreens and feel like i get what i need. CVS is probably better, but you do the best with what you’ve got, right?
CC says
No CVS in this state 🙁 🙁 But Walgreens is very good. But I don’t think it will ever be AS good…..
Jenny says
I live in St. Louis, MO and we don’t have a CVS. However, one will be opening up the street from me within the next few months!
I have had a great time at Walgreens! They have some awesome deals. I have not shopped at a CVS, but the Walgreens deals seem a lot easier to plan out then the CVS deals I read about.
Good luck with your move!
Becky (Nickels-n-Dimes) says
I just wanted to wish you much luck with you upcoming move. Faith in the Lord is all one needs!!!
As for the store situation, I can’t help. I am blessed with many great stores to shop all around and don’t know if I could live without any of them. I hope Wags comes through for you with future sales!!!
Erin says
Hi! I am a Walgreens only person as well in South Central Wisconsin. (Wal-Mart nearby too). I just started couponing and super shopping at Walgreens and have noticed a difference. We’ve already got quite a bit of toothpaste and deodorant stocked up and I’ve been able to get some good deals on diapers and pull-ups. Overall, I’ve been very happy, but then again, I don’t have CVS to compare it to.
Mandi says
I’m new to the CVS/Walgreens/Deals thing. But, I tried to get a deal at Walgreens today. The manager told me that you don’t get Register Rewards if you use a manufacturer coupon. I didn’t know this until after I checked out. There was no way to know, either. She said that if they did that we’d make money off of them. A bit rude. And how do you know that since they don’t print it in the ad? The ad said to see the coupon/RR for restrictions. Kinda bait and switch to me.
I guess I’m just used to CVS letting me use coupons and Earn ECBs.
Mandi says
I’m new to the CVS/Walgreens/Deals thing. But, I tried to get a deal at Walgreens today. The manager told me that you don’t get Register Rewards if you use a manufacturer coupon. I didn’t know this until after I checked out. There was no way to know, either. She said that if they did that we’d make money off of them. A bit rude. And how do you know that since they don’t print it in the ad? The ad said to see the coupon/RR for restrictions. Kinda bait and switch to me.
I guess I’m just used to CVS letting me use coupons and Earn ECBs.
RC says
I don’t do CVS … I learned the hard way when my ECB’s expired after my only attempt to start CVSing. In contrast, Walgreens’ free after rebate programs give me cold hard cash. I don’t want the hassle of expiring ECB or RRs, and keep away from them. Recently Walgreen’s rebates can be entered online, so no fear of forgetting to submit a rebate!!
lizzy says
Oh no CVS too bad! Well lately the deals have not been that great at CVS but at least CVS is a no brainer and the employees are a little more accomidating. At Walgreens the register reward machine is always out of paper (THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS THEY NEVER PRINT CUZ THE DARN MACHINE NEVER HAS PAPER TO BEGIN WITH! THEN THE MANAGERS INVENT EXCUSES LIKE YOU USED A COUPON OR A GIFT CARD AS AN EXPLANATION FOR WHY IT DID NOT PRINT! HELLO >>DID I NOT just say it had no paper!!!
Also at Walgreens if a coupon beeps they invent any excuse under the sun not to take it. Usually the coupon says “ANY” they say well it has to be the one in the picture, like with the revlon coupons. HELLO, Could you not read where it says ANY. Walgreens is just too frustrating.
I keep saying I won’t go again and I think you all should do the same!!!!!
lizzy says
Oh no CVS too bad! Well lately the deals have not been that great at CVS but at least CVS is a no brainer and the employees are a little more accomidating. At Walgreens the register reward machine is always out of paper (THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS THEY NEVER PRINT CUZ THE DARN MACHINE NEVER HAS PAPER TO BEGIN WITH! THEN THE MANAGERS INVENT EXCUSES LIKE YOU USED A COUPON OR A GIFT CARD AS AN EXPLANATION FOR WHY IT DID NOT PRINT! HELLO >>DID I NOT just say it had no paper!!!
Also at Walgreens if a coupon beeps they invent any excuse under the sun not to take it. Usually the coupon says “ANY” they say well it has to be the one in the picture, like with the revlon coupons. HELLO, Could you not read where it says ANY. Walgreens is just too frustrating.
I keep saying I won’t go again and I think you all should do the same!!!!!
Leanna says
There’s no CVS down here in Wichita, but I thought of this blog when I read that Meghan McCain and her mom shop there. Somehow I doubt they go for the bargains though!
Article:
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/16/lkl.meghan.mccain/index.html
Darla says
I have learned to work the Wagreens deals. We haven’t had one quite a year yet. We dont have a CVS.
The only thing that is frustrating with Walgreens is they run out of stuff fast (we live in a rural area).
With the $5-$10 coupons they’ve been adding to Fridays/Saturdays it’s a great way to stock up for CHEAP (if it’s not out of stock).
wendy says
Hi Crystal,
I’m new to CVSing and Walgreening thanks to you. I, like others who have posted above, find Walgreens hard to work with. The assistant manager recently told me that their registers will not print RR if any coupons are used. We don’t have a Kroger here. (We are not military, but live in a military town and have Very Little grocery store competition here.) My parent’s have a Kroger and get all kinds of deals including lower gas prices some how. I think when they use their Kroger card they get gas points – not sure exactly how it works.
Shannon says
I have never even been close enough to a CVS to see one but I enjoy my Walgreens shopping. There are 5 different Wags between my house and church so I pass them frequently enough that if one doesn’t have what I am looking for another will. And if I get a checker that doesn’t know how to do a coupon I will just take my coupons to the store down the street! But I like my Wags closest to my house the best because I know when to go to get the friendliest cashiers! You will be fine. Congratulations.
zanderae says
I’ve shopped at CVS for years and was overjoyed when Walgreens finally made it to the Atlanta market. (I had gotten to know Walgreens when I lived in Chicagoland.) Frankly I think Walgreens blows CVS out of the water. Walgreens has better prices, more groceries, better sales, good coupons in their flyers, and they mark down more stuff than CVS does. I liked CVS much better before they bought out Eckerds in this region and raised CVS’s prices. (And then Eckerds became Rite Aid, which I like a lot too, but I like Walgreens best.)
Yeah, the RR program could use some work, but then I do pretty well just workin’ the coupons and the EasySaver rebates.
Wish you the best with your move – I love KC (was born there!) but moves are good too!!
Lorie says
Congratulations on your move and maybe a CVS will be in your future as well! ;D
Angela says
For the last five years until our last move we didn’t have cvs, only walgreens. And walgreens is ok but not at all as good. The mail in rebates are part of the reason. Getting your rebate or customer bucks at the register is soooo much better. But if you watch you can get some great stuff.
sarah says
Since I don’t know any better, I do just fine with Walgreens & RiteAid, supplemented by Winco, Target and Costco.
I will say though – I strategized and hit up a CVS on a recent business trip and it was pretty great. I got over $40 worth of merch for $4.50 – and it all fit in a carry-on!
Riannon says
We have a Walgreens across the street and a CVS about 45 minutes away. Sometimes Walgreens is so disappointing that we make the drive to CVS. CVS deals are so much better and the workers are more friendly and accomodating, I think. We only make it there once a month or less though.
Marie Riley says
I was pretty disappointed when Dillons left KC area as well. I spent closing day moping the aisles in a fit of depression. Ok that’s a big of an exaggeration, but I’d pick Kroger over CVS anyday.
Genevieve says
No CVS here – just Rite Aid and Walgreens. I’ve only been rebating for 3 cycles with Walgreens and 2 with CVS, and I’ve got enough toothpaste and shampoo for a good long while – probably 2 years on the toothpaste and a good 8-10 months on shampoo. We have done really well on grocery stuff there as well (Our local chain choices are Safeway and Grocery Outlet – we have to drive well over an hour for Target, Wal-Mart, WinCo, Costco, etc).
You’ll survive. You might not have as many of the free nail polishes and goodies that CVS provides, but you’ll still get some great deals at Wal-greens. It only took me 1.5 cycles to start rolling my rebates, and I’ve got over $90 due back to me for September – mostly from RR and ESRs the previous month.
Blessings on the move!
Jenna says
Congrats on the move. I live in the land of no CVS but I do have one in the town I work. I do notice the deals at walgreens are slightly different and take more work, but in the long run usually save more money since Wags will do overage, but the CVS I use won’t. Good luck on your move.
http://newlyweds.wordpress.com/
TJ says
We don’t have CVS, but Walgreens has helped. Actually I find that the clearance at Target keeps me better stocked up on health supplies than Walgreens. They work together nicely.
No Kroger for us, but we have Fred Meyer, which is a subsidiary of some sort? Out of my way for shopping on a regular basis, but I always find good deals when I’m there.
laura says
Your post really made me smile, Crystal. We don’t have CVS here, or anywhere near here, but we do just fine. In fact, we had a yard sale a while back and I sold EXCESS Glade candles, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. etc. that I had gotten free/gotten overages at Walgreens. (I made over $40 just from the excess!). I have plenty to donate to the local food pantry as well, and we still have a lot of everything on hand! We are two adults and an almost 3-year-old, but even with three little ones, I think you will be just fine!
Hugs, and congratulations!
-Laura tenthingsfarm.blogspot.com
Roxanne says
Congrats on the move!!
I’m interested to see if you still have such love for Kroger when you move. Kroger sales and coupon policies are very regional. I have more Kroger stores near me than any other grocery stores, and I rarely darken their doorstep. My area doesn’t get the good sales I read about on the web. Maybe you’re moving to my region and can give me some tips on Kroger!
V W says
Walgreens in our area are so hard on couponers. They have started refusing to take b1g1 coupons with their own b1g1 deals. They don’t get it. It’s annoying, so have stopped going there as frequently. It seems like a hassle everytime I go in.
Renee says
I am excited that you will have a Kroger near you again. I would welcome a series on how you find your best deals there because I haven’t figured that store out yet. I live in Omaha and we have a few Dillons/Kroger store but they don’t double coupons.
Andrea says
My mom lives in CA away from any CVSs, but she heard from an employee at Long’s Drug that CVS will be buying their company in the coming months. Maybe this could be promising for you?
Mercedes says
I have done very well without a CVS near me. You can keep well stocked on HBA items there. Something someone else noted is that Walgreens seems to have more food deals that CVS ever does.
Sure, it will take some adjusting especially since you were so used to CVS and know that system well. But you will do great!
Angie says
Good luck with only a Walgreens!! I’m finding it so hard to “love” them too.
I called their Customer Service today and was told that you can NEVER use a coupon and expect to get RR back. They are adjusting the registers to not print them!!!
Best of luck on the move! 🙂
Melissa says
Congrats on the move! I’m sure you’ll do fine, leaving behind CVS will be hard, but having a Kroger again will soften the blow! It’s funny how we get used to certain stores, etc… I’m fortunate… Within less than 5 minutes I can leave my house & be at a CVS (actually can walk there!), a Walgreens, Rite Aid, Meijer, Wal-Mart, Kroger, and Target… We’ve recently bounced around the idea of moving to a cheaper neighborhood… and i keep calculating my CVS mileage!!! But I do get jealous because we don’t have a Publix, Giant Eagle, etc… I see all sorts of deals I would love, but I guess every city comes with it’s trade offs!
Rachelle says
Crystal-
I do like Walgreens better then CVS. I really think their prices are much better, and you can do very good if you use coupons. Their RR program is good, it could be better, but then again ECB’s have not been super great either. They have more food items as well. I have not been to CVS for 2 1/2 months, and you know what … I really do not miss it. I find great deals at Walmart on diapers and other items. Between Walgreens , Walmart and now a new target(opening very soon) I find we do just fine. Besides how much shampoo, toothpaste and gel can one family go through. We still have about 70 bars of buddies soap left. and even with nine children, I don’t think we will run out of toothpaste any time soon. LOL !!We have given tons away and still have tons!!! I think you will really like your Walgreens, I do not have any problems with coupons! Good luck with the move, try to get some rest too!
Blessings-
Rachelle
Rachelle says
Crystal-
I do like Walgreens better then CVS. I really think their prices are much better, and you can do very good if you use coupons. Their RR program is good, it could be better, but then again ECB’s have not been super great either. They have more food items as well. I have not been to CVS for 2 1/2 months, and you know what … I really do not miss it. I find great deals at Walmart on diapers and other items. Between Walgreens , Walmart and now a new target(opening very soon) I find we do just fine. Besides how much shampoo, toothpaste and gel can one family go through. We still have about 70 bars of buddies soap left. and even with nine children, I don’t think we will run out of toothpaste any time soon. LOL !!We have given tons away and still have tons!!! I think you will really like your Walgreens, I do not have any problems with coupons! Good luck with the move, try to get some rest too!
Blessings-
Rachelle
Jill W. says
I am in Walgreens only Idaho, and I used to read all of the CVS deals & get very jealous. Now, I have done so well at Walgreens that I am no longer envious & I figured out that my SIL has a CVS right by her, so I just send her the deals instead! I have everything I need from Walgreens, and one store is more willing to take coupons, etc., than another, so I just go with the flow & learn where to go & when. Good luck!
Robyn says
Bless your heart! We Kansans will miss you, Crystal, but I know there are bigger, grander things in store for you, wherever your road may lead. I have to admit, I’m actually a little misty-eyed writing this. Although we’ve never met, it has been with your guidance that I have been able to turn the corner financially after a few devastating, frustrating years. I just sent my husband out the door, smiling, with two huge bags of CVS/Walgreen’s/Target/Walmart swag, obtained with very few dollars thanks to you, to give to friends down on their luck right now. For once, I feel like a millionaire. Thank you, sincerely, for bringing those things into my life again. Please know that what you do here each day, with such a generous spirit, echoes far farther than you know. Best of luck to you and your little family!
carol says
I am able to keep stocked at Walgreens on deodrant, toothpaste, makeup, aluminum foil, and snacks. I don’t do rebates and I usually pay less than $1 for each item after coupons and sales, most the time they are free. Good luck!
Erin says
I was hoping when I read your post title that you would at least be gaining a Kroger again!
Kristi@OneFrugalMama says
I also don’t have a convenient CVS. Walgreen’s keeps us stocked just fine. I get to go CVSing when I visit my sister and I share my Walgreen deals with her. Target seems to have really stepped up their sales and has had some great deals lately.
Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks&Me says
I love my Target store. I can get so many quality items there for less, some of which are even organic. 🙂
SarahMay says
I can build a great stockpile through Walgreens deals, but it’s not always WHAT I need, WHEN I need it. So it’s hit-or-miss but I’ve still saved a lot of money and been able to bless a lot of other people with the extras!
We have Walgreens, Target, Meijer, Super Wal-Mart, Save-a-Lot, and Rite-Aid. I have been able to reduce how much we spend (and get a really nice stockpile built up) since following your blog.
I envy those who have a CVS, though, because I still have to pay “out-of-pocket” for a lot of things. Walgreens has been great for some things, but the deals aren’t consistent (for awhile I had TONS of shampoo but no deodorant!).
Lauri says
I’m in Walgreens-only Central Arkansas as well, and did do very well at Walgreens until very recently, where for whatever reason RR’s aren’t printing on coupon transactions. I haven’t yet talked to management at any of our local stores to find out more about this but plan to soon.
I also agree that some cashiers are scared of internet coupons etc and the managers in my area also seem wary but with calm persistence they take the coupons.
Lyn says
Congrats on your upcoming move. I am sure you will do just fine, especially if you will have a Krogers nearby. It seems like that is a super store for great savings from what you have shared in the past. Maybe having Krogers will make up and possibly exceed any loss of not having CVS.
Even though I have both stores in my area I’m actually not doing deals by choice right now. Thanks to your posting of deals (especially when CVS had more store coupons in the past) we simply don’t need much these days – just food and some paper products. We have plenty of toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, razors & more. We’ve been able to share lots with others and still have enough leftover for ourselves. And that’s with not even being hardcore on getting deals!
I wish I could help you out. FlyLady has some good tips about moving on her site. Perhaps even just packing a few boxes a day will make a real difference for you right now. Slow and steady will get you there.
Ruthanne says
I have Kroger & Walgreens in my town – central Arkansas region – and I stay very, well stocked. I’ve never stepped foot in a CVS store, so I can’t really compare.
lizzykristine @ Uplifted Eyes says
We’re Walgreens-only in Arkansas. I confess to occasional wishes that the local drugstore chain would be bought out by CVS — isn’t that terrible to wish upon a smaller, family chain? 😉 But I only wish that after frustrating Walgreens experiences.
I find Walgreens frustrating, but not frustrating enough to quit! They supply us with all of our toiletries & household products for nearly free. Because Walgreens isn’t as couponer-friendly, I now do only the most straight-forward transactions. Not using internet coupons, doing several transactions, or other things that make the clerks uncomfortable has really helped. I don’t get the *best* possible deals, but nor do I have to fight with management over what’s proper coupon usage Every Single Visit. If you’re willing to not “milk the system” for every penny of savings, the road is pretty smooth. Walgreens is way less frustrating since I relaxed and accepted saving a little less money. 🙂
Jeannine says
May the Lord go with you. Glad to hear about answered prayer in regards to moving. I am also entreating the Lord for a move.
Juju_Mommyu says
Congrads on your move!
There is another blog that I keep up with and really enjoy: http://jane4girls800dollarannualbudget.blogspot.com/
Not only is this lady truely insiprational when it comes to her great deal finding skills but she keeps a great site with some great deal scenerio. Anyways, I thought I’d share because, from what I can tell, I think she prefers Walgreens and it seems that her posts reflect that preference.
I prefer CVS for two reasons: 1) it’s easier to figure out the deals and 2) our local Walgreens (all three of them) are very unaware of the way coupons and the RR program work AND all of the managers that I’ve encountered were very rude to me.
God bless,
Julie
Jodi says
I have honestly just gotten into the Wags Super shopping and yes I would have to say that it does a really good job. These past few weeks have been really good. I have to say that sometimes I was a bit jealous of the CVS stores but I am doing good now. I really do enjoy your post and I think that you will be just fine without a CVS. You are a super bargain hunter and God does take care of us. You will be wonderful. Where are you moving? Hope this helps.
Lisa says
Congrats!! God IS good :). I love the way you put your feelings into words. Thank you for sharing how God is working in your life. It is a blessing.
So sorry about your leaving CVS. But, as we know God will provide in other ways 😉 lol!
Jamie says
I don’t really qualify for the not having CVS part as I do have one right next to my Walgreens, but I get GREAT Deals at walgreens. I recently got two pot holders (very nice) with an autumn accent for 1 dollar. I am reusing the coupon again with a rain check as they ran out. I got popcorn balls for 39 cent each last night and the coupon was good for up to 9 popcorn balls.I think it is workable so long as you watch for the good coupons, the same as a grocery.
Amanda says
Crystal,
Congrats on your move! I just read your post and we have been there! We have stories people think we made up too 🙂
As for Walgreens, I feel like it’s cyclical. It’ll be good for a couple weeks and then not so good for a couple weeks. However, weeks like last week make up for the not so exciting weeks. For a family your size (we’re the same) you’ll do just fine!
Praising the Lord for your answered prayer!