Walgreens

My visit to Walgreens in Jersey City was a great experience. The store was very well-stocked, and I was able to find everything on my list without any trouble. I also found their prices to be very competitive, especially when compared to other stores in the area.

I was staying in Jersey City for my oasis concert and ended up staying at a nearby hotel. This Walgreens was open 24 hours a day which I loved and it was within walking distance. I visited it twice. The first was on a Saturday at 2:30 pm. My first impression of the store was not positive. It’s very cramped. Could use a good cleaning. Two adult people cannot walk through unless one is turned towards the shelving. I needed to get to the refrigerated area and they had that entire area blocked off because they appeared to be restocking (but was in no hurry). Throughout the store, there were a lot of things out of stock - from snacks to otc medicines. Checking out - there was one cashier and a line of about 8 customers. It moved slowly. The second visit was on Monday evening around 10pm and the store still seemed to lack a lot of stock. Checkout line was still very long.

I wanted to buy cigarettes, but they asked for my ID card even though they saw I was older. I told them I was in the car and could tell them my date of birth, but they refused. I took my ID from my car and showed it to them, but they said they wanted to take my card and scan it. I told them I didn't want to give them my card and that I could scan it, but the store manager refused and tried to kick me out, but another employee came and processed my transaction. The store manager and the tall, dark-skinned cashier working at the other register were very rude and insulted me. This was the first time I'd experienced this. They were very rude and rude.

There is almost always a homeless guy by the front door of the downtown JC walgreens holding the door open and asking for money, like I feel uncomfortable/bad for walking in - I’d rather go out of my way to CVS or Whole Foods to get my cleaning supplies. I’m sure a lot of other downtown residents feel the same way

Quick and easy flu shot process. The pharmacist, Fady, was personable and efficient with the shots. Will recommend for vaccinations.

If you’re required to lock up your items then PLEASE have enough staff to respond when I push the help button 3 times so I don’t have to spend 5 minutes chasing down an employee on the other side of the store to unlock it for me. Makes me never want to step foot in another Walgreens again to be honest

This is a review specifically of the pharmacy and not the rest of the store. TLDR: Get your prescription elsewhere. Plagued with inaccuracies, supply issues, and rude staff. I have been going to this pharmacy for years since it is convenient and close. I've never had a problem until recently. I'm not sure if they have new staff who are new grads or just completely incompetent. I have had an Rx filled completely wrong. They gave me 2 of X (incorrect amt and Rx) rather than 1 of Y. Luckily, I clearly could tell the difference. I went back and it took at least 20 minutes to sort (on top of waiting in a backed up line). They were so confused as to what the problem was. They gave my husband 2 of another Rx rather than just the one as written (can't count or keep track of inventory). I had 2 new Rx sent to them and my doctor had to swap out one drug for another for insurance purposes. They did it correctly for one. They stated the 2nd one was out of stock so I waited until it was available. Walgreens never updated and I had to check in on it again. Walgreens then said there were insurance issues. Had my doctor's office call again asking what the issue was. Walgreens had attempted to swap the Rx for a generic when that was not discussed with my doctor nor was it covered by my insurance (doing work that is not required and causing over 1 week delay to my Rx). Every time I need a refill these days, the items are out of stock and so I have to wait several more days for it to be available. Now they are telling me that I may have insurance issues and can't refill my insulin despite being told by several nurses, several reputable websites and a different Walgreens pharmacist themselves that opened insulin pens regardless of storage (room temp or fridge) should be disposed of after 28 days of opening. They're saying it'd be fine if I stored it in the fridge and it's my fault for not doing so and this causes insurance issues (giving incorrect and potentially unsafe info and placing the blame on me).