(Photo taken September 2008: "Baby S", Age 2, tries to delay arrival at 1st day of preschool by demanding a visit to Duane Reade. What can I say...he's a New Yorker).
If you live in New York City, you already know about Duane Reade. If you live elsewhere, perhaps you recall mentions here on MyMomShops (I've touted Duane Reade as the source for early-season Creme eggs and these cute Hanukkah latke flippers). Founded in 1960 with one full-service pharmacy, Duane Reade is now NYC’s top drugstore chain, with 250 locations across Manhattan. This is where New Yorkers turn for just about anything—vitamins, household supplies, greeting cards, even food.
I moved to the Big Apple straight from college. I’ve experienced a lot since then—dating, marriage, kids, divorce—but one thing remains constant: my reliance on Duane Reade. Don’t believe me? Read on for 5 memorable moments:
1. Moving In, August 1994: With just a mattress and a roll of quarters for the pay phone downstairs (this was before cell phones), I move into a tiny apartment. I stumble into a Duane Reade two blocks away and buy my first supplies: cleaning spray, toilet paper, and snacks. Unfortunately, it isn’t long before I turn to Duane Reade for another New York necessity: my first glue trap.
2. First dates, 1994-2001: I can’t tell you how many first dates I went on before the summer evening in 2001 when I first went out with my husband. This much I know: I popped in to many a Duane Reade to check my make-up (and maybe buy some breath mints) before showing up at the rendez-vous spots over those years.
3. September 12, 2001. One day later, the stench wafts uptown. People in my East Side neighborhood walk around covering their noses and mouths. At the local Duane Reade, I wait in line with two dozen others to buy disposable paper masks. In the coming months, I stock up on items for an emergency "go bag," including flashlights, rain ponchos, and a radio.
4. An Important Test, December 2002. On a crisp December morning, I go to the nearest Duane Reade to buy a pregnancy test. Back home, I learn that I am expecting my first baby. I still have the receipt from that purchase.
5. Newborn Days, Fall 2003. The never-ending need for diapers drives my new daughter and me to Duane Reade more than any other neighborhood spot. Baby R. "befriends" a kindly cashier named Indira, who always smiles when she sees us. One day, Indira surprises us at checkout with a small wrapped gift: a blond-haired baby doll, which R. still has. "A beautiful doll for your beautiful girl," Indira says, and wishes us a Happy Hanukkah as she hands over my purchases.
Since then, I’ve had a second child—and my husband and I have divorced. There have been celebrations—and stresses. Through it all, Duane Reade provides the staples I depend on. And between the on-sale bags of candy and the celebrity-gossip magazines, the stores offer budget-friendly retail therapy, too. That’s why I practically live in Duane Reade. Hey Duane Reade, how about installing a couch for me?
Note: This post is my entry for the 2012 Duane Reade VIP Blogger Program (#DReade #CBias). I was not compensated for this post and all opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
I feel lost without Duane Reade since we moved from NYC. Like you said, I also have many memories including moving into my first, second and third apt. I also purchased 10 pregnancy tests (I was in disbelief) for my first baby and then all the items needed for his Bris! I even made a new mommy friend while on line at DR when MAK was 3 months old. I stopped in Duane Reade at least 3 times a week for one thing (yeah right!) and never left with less than 20 things. On the way home from school, MAK absolutely HAD to stop in DR to get "something."
ReplyDeleteI still have my Duane Reade card just in case I find myself back in the city. Good times...
I love how you framed your stories around very personal experiences. I love CVS, I get so much satisfaction out of shopping there that I could stay for hours.
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