Your neighborhood drugstore is a convenient one-stop shop, but you’re probably overspending in this establishment. Though the prices might seem low, very few things are actually cheaper at the drugstore than they are at big-box or wholesale stores. Read on to explore the things you should avoid buying at the drugstore because you can find them for less elsewhere—we know some of the items will shock you!
Drugs
The drugstore seems like the perfect place to buy OTC and prescription drugs, but it’s usually not! Though prescription drugs are relatively affordable if you have insurance, you can almost always find cheaper over-the-counter drugs for less at stores like Costco and Walmart.
That said, even prescription drugs might be more affordable at big-box store pharmacies as well. Drugstores often mark up their costs because their pharmacies bring in the most revenue, and they offer additional specialty services like drive-up windows and such. However, these perks tend to not justify the higher cost.
Supplements
One of the most important things to do when buying food supplements is to explore your options, and if you do this, you’ll realize that drugstores are options to steer clear of. Drugstores stock shelves full of vitamins, protein powders, and herbal supplements, but they’re not always the best buys. Again, you will probably get better deals at big-box or wholesale stores.
Toilet Paper
Do you stock up on toilet paper every time you hit the drugstore? Maybe wait until you go grocery shopping instead. The drugstore sale price for toilet paper is usually higher per roll than what you’d pay at a grocery store, warehouse club, or online. Save yourself the cash by buying TP in bulk or waiting for deals at bigger retailers.
Reading Glasses
We get it—those 4-dollar drugstore frames are tempting. But it’s always worthwhile to spend 20 dollars more on optical-quality readers. The main things that make optical-quality readers different than cheap drugstore ones are that they work better and support your eye health more effectively.
Greeting Cards
Whether to celebrate a friend’s birthday or send your mom well-wishes on Mother’s Day, greeting cards are special-event staples. But even though drugstores are famous for their sprawling collections of cards, they will likely cost you 4–7 dollars each. Instead, buy ones for 1–3 dollars at a dollar store or T.J. Maxx. You can also stock up on bulk greeting cards to always have one ready in a pinch.
Batteries
Need batteries for your remote or kid’s favorite toy? You’ll find them at any drugstore, but those little packs come with a hefty markup. Drugstore prices for batteries run much higher than at a bulk retailer, especially if you’re grabbing name-brand options like Duracell or Energizer.
Stop Overspending at the Drugstore
While it’s tempting to grab everything you need in one place, some drugstore finds are better left on the shelf. Whether it’s meds, toilet paper, or batteries, shopping smarter can save you serious cash in the long run. Avoid buying these things at the drugstore, and your budget will thank you!
