Cigarettes, Alavert and The Big Win

Dear CVS:

No, not the rest of the flourishing pharmacies opening all over the Raleigh-area. I am talking directly to you, CVS on Fayetteville Street.

You know what this is about.

What do you have against staying open? Do you have some sort of problem with customers?

To be completely honest with you (as honest as I can be with a drug store), I have never once stepped through your doors. And, it is not for a lack of trying.

I like to believe that I go downtown as much as or more than the average Raleigh-ite. I eat lunch, dinner and socialize on or near Fayetteville Street at least five or six times a week. On top of that, I also have some wicked allergies and am a social smoker—an unhealthy combination, I know. I am your perfect customer—cigarettes and Alavert. That is all I need.

So, with limited options I have stood, on many occasions, at the corner of Fayetteville and Hargett sneezing, jonzing and cursing your dim sign in disgust.

And I am not the only one frustrated. With eight bars and multiple condo buildings within walking distance of your store, you have built an anti-fan club of allergic smokers who like to practice safe sex, but can’t get what they need easily.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret that may not have been provided in the welcome packet when you signed on to become a member of downtown.

Raleigh is desperately trying to cast aside the sleepy city image and, frankly, CVS you are not helping. Staying open until 6 p.m. on weeknights and Saturday and being CLOSED on Sunday is hurting us. New businesses are drawing people downtown, but your seemingly permanent “Come Again” sign is a cancer rotting Raleigh from its core.

Maybe that is a little harsh, but your Mayberry store hours are only closing you off to what all of those who have faith in downtown see as an eventual big win. But, if you aren’t going to take part in the work there is no reason for you to reap the reward. You are the neighborhood drug store (a market you have cornered here), a business that is supposed to be dependable. Act like it.

Raleigh needs every partner to pull their weight and go above and beyond. We, as consumers, are doing our part by coming downtown with our hard earned money and we are willing to spend it…AT CVS, if only you would let us.

We have come a long way in a very short time from Fayetteville Mall. So, maybe keeping the store open a little later on the weekends and opening your doors on Sunday might exhibit some good will toward your neighbors who have worked so hard and placed it all on the line to make sure Raleigh and Fayetteville Street succeed.

Signed,

Greg

P.S. I don’t want to talk trash, but the CVSs in Cary are open later than you.