Prescriptions with a Side of Sushi
During Fashion Week in New York, I was rushing to Lincoln Center for the J.Crew presentation when a sudsy sight stopped me dead in my well-heeled tracks: There, in a Duane Reade, was a growler bar. Yes, you can purchase jugs of beer and then refill them time and time again at the neighborhood pharmacy.
And that’s not all — the bright, shiny Duane Reade also has fresh pastries, a walk-in-clinic, and a awe-inspiring cosmetics section. Hello, future.
Earlier this week, I read that Walgreens (which owns Duane Reade) is opening a similar, 24,000-square-foot flagship store in the old Borders space in Downtown Crossing this fall. The emporium, which is close to competitor CVS, will include a sushi bar, made-to-order smoothies, and a hair and nail salon.
City officials say the pharmacy will help revamp the struggling shopping district: “This store is a new, unique concept, and this signature Downtown Crossing site will be a great fit for a flagship Boston store,’’ Menino told the Globe. “It’s exciting to see another piece of the puzzle coming together as we build on the promise of Downtown Crossing.’’
I’m not so sure. It will be great for people who work and live in the area and maybe for tourists meandering down the Freedom Trail.
I’ll certainly stop by at least once or twice to check out the California rolls or to get a pedicure. Then, I’ll go back to frequenting whichever chain is closest for my dryer sheets and greeting cards. Although, I could be convinced by a growler counter …