This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Walgreens.
I don’t think it’s overstating it to say that we are a family that loves Walgreens.
No. Let me rephrase that. We loooooooove Walgreens.
It’s shameful, really. We shop there two or three times a week. We know our cashiers. We know our pharmacy techs. And more than anything else, I know to check out in the cosmetics department when I’m stocking up on shampoo and make-up because they’re always well-stocked with coupons.
There’s one other thing I happen to know about Walgreens – and I know it from first-hand experience.
Their store brand is fantastic. Seriously. I buy the Walgreens Brand of, well, whatever as much as I possibly can, especially when it comes to any sort of over-the-counter medication. The Walgreens Brand is almost always significantly more affordable than a competing name brand, and I’ve never been able to tell one iota of difference in quality. If the Walgreens pharmacist recommends it, it’s good enough for me – especially since the Walgreens Brand has the same major active ingredient as other national brands.
A couple of weekends ago was perfect case in point. My husband came down with the man cold of all man colds – there was all manner of loud breathing and loud nose blowing and loud sneezing going on in our house. He was so congested, and one Saturday morning he just seemed miserable and tired and maybe even a wee bit cranky. That’s understandable, though. All that breathing through the mouth can be exhausting.
Given the husband’s condition, I decided that I was going to Take Action. We had plenty of cold medicine already, but I kept thinking that D would be so much more comfortable if we could get a vaporizer cranked up and running. I’m a big believer in using vapors to help a cold; it’s what my mama always did for me, and I think it’s a great way to get some relief without taking decongestant after decongestant. So I drove to Walgreens, grabbed a cart, and stocked up on some cold remedies. I bought a vaporizer, some liquid vapors for the vaporizer, some cough drops, some ibuprofen for the big man and for our little man (he was feeling a little fever-ish) – and every single item was the Walgreens Brand. I probably saved eight or nine dollars just by buying the store brand.
(If this photograph had a title? It would be “Mama Doesn’t Mess Around.”)
(Because Mama likes it when her people are happy and WELL.)
We weren’t at all shocked when everything I bought worked beautifully. We’ve used the Walgreens ibuprofen and the cough drops for years, but the vaporizer and the vapors were new for us. They’re FANTASTIC. I could get used to sleeping with the vaporizer whether anyone is sick or not; it’s a soothing presence in the midst of all the dry indoor heat, and the liquid vapors smell divine – they’re so, so soothing.
Here’s the best news of all (besides the fact that my husband’s cold is almost completely gone): I get to give away a $100 Walgreens gift card. I can tell you in all honesty that there are few things in life I would enjoy more than a Walgreens gift card. I mean, JUST IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES. Anyway, if you’d like to win a $100 Walgreens gift card courtesy of BlogHer, leave a comment that answers the following question: do you typically buy store brands or national brands? A combination of the two? Whatever’s the most affordable? Also, be sure to check out other participating bloggers. This giveaway is open February 18 – March 13.
Happy Walgreens, y’all! And by all means: Try Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness products. Visit the site for more information.
Rules:
– No duplicate comments.
– You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
– a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
– b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
– c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
– d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
– This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
– Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
– You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
This giveaway is now closed.
Great Giveaway! I usually buy store brands, because they are cheaper and do the exact same thing! Why pay more?
I use both name brand and store brand – whatever’s on sale! I am not fussy!
Just tweeted about it! http://twitter.com/#!/laanykidsmom/status/39476581458132992
National brands.
I usually buy store brands. I love Walgreens.
I normally buy brand names for food items, but often store brands for non food items.
Store brands for sure!
thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
I tend to buy more store brands to help us with our budget. Sometimes, we’ll buy brand named products if we find a good sale or coupons. But, I really find many of the store brands to be just as good quality as brand name products.
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/peg42/status/39503447816540160
Thanks again
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
I use a mixture of name and store brand. I am a big coupon saver/sale watcher and sometimes the name brand is cheaper. The walgreens is new to our part of the country so it is good to know their stuff is top notch. Thanks for the giveaway and the info !
I usually purchase store brands because I find them to be just as good as the national brands. They are almost always cheaper than the national brands as well, and that is a major plus.
I usually buy the store brand. I don’t have the budget for name brand. Which is why a giftcard would be great.
v9iecp (at) hotmail (dot) com
I buy a combination of store brands and national brands. If I don’t have a preference for the specific product, I’ll buy whatever is on sale or the best deal. My husband and kids use Walgreen’s cold medicine and pain reliever. I love the Register Rewards, too! and the customer service I receive at Walgreen’s is wonderful. Thanks for the giveaway.
aleq13@gmail.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/#!/lexiquin/status/39576898841481216
With regard to store brands and name brands, it does come down to a combination of the two. Whatever is the least expensive and seems to work just as well is what I’ll use. If the brand name is better but more costly, I would go that route as well.
valeriano.leanne@yahoo.com
I usually buy the store brand and save money doing so.
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/rhoneygee/status/39602268655456256
I buy both national brand and store brand, depending on pricing and promotions.
love the convenience of running into walgreens without a 5 hour trip into the store- bread and milk are fresh and don’t waste alot of time waiting in line
I buy a combination of store and brand names.
I will buy store brands unless I have a really good coupon and the other is on sale.
whit1966@gmail.com
I would LOVE the $100 to spend at Walgreens —oooh, fun!
I usually purhcase store brand, the only time I don’t is when there is a significant coupon. Thank you!
sunnymolls2@hotmail.com
I buy the store brand whenever possible. I’ve found they are as good or better than the national brand. I shop Walgreens all the time. They always have what I need.
I almost always buy the store brand.
I love Walgreens! I buy a combination of generic and name brand, and with most things I don’t care. Peanut butter, however, must be Jif!
Store brands… they work just as well.
I love it when the Walgreen’s brand of children’s ibuprofen and acetominophen are 2-for-1 — two bottles for $4.99!!!! I may rival you for nerdy excitement about Walgreens. :)
I am a fan of Walgreens. I love their convenience AND convenient hours. I always purchase Walgreens’ brand products and I have yet to be disappointed. :)
For me its a combination…some items I prefer the name brand, but others it doesn’t matter as its a matter of price.
I would say mainly store brands, about 75% of the things I have right now are store brands. Cheaper and I don’t see any difference in the quality
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/39726951631568896
for most products I will buy a national brand, but some (like plastic baggies, napkins, some others) I will buy a store brand
I buy both store brands as well as name brands.
I usually buy the store brands as long as the active ingredient is the same as the name brand. I haven’t really found one I don’t like yet.
I do a combo of store and national. Store is cheaper but sometimes the taste on like cookies etc is not the same. For things like vitamins and ibuprofen definitely store brand is a better deal.
tweet
http://twitter.com/buzz8/status/39736006567534592
I am buying more and more store brands. I’d say it’s probably 50/50.
kimkmc at yahoo.com
I uually just buy what’s the cheapest so it’s usually store brands.. unless I have a coupon that makes it cheaper.
I generally buy a mix of store brands and national brands — whatever is the best buy. There are a few national brands I really like and buy when I can.
I typically buy a combination of store and national brands. Love Walgreens, though!
I have always bought storebrand, and I’m old!
Walgreens is down the street from me, on the way to most errands!
I buy very few items brand name. I always look for the cheaper price in most items. I’ve always been pleased with any Walgreen’s brand items I’ve tried!
I generally buy the national brand but on occasion buy the store beand especially if the national brand is really pricey and I don’t have a coupon and also if I know from experience or from a friend that the store brand works.
WalGreens is our go-to place for all of our health and beauty items as well as to grab a quick drink or snack!
Walgreen’s is a great place to shop. The store is big, but all you have to do is ASK one of the workers and they’ll take you right to where you need to be. Their prices are good and I’ve never had a problem of any sort with them.
Walgreens is so great. I love the register rewards program. You can get some great deals with sales and coupons.
thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
I typically buy a combination. If it is super cheap, I will buy it and try it and if I like it I have no problem with store brands. Walgreens is so great. I love the register rewards program. You can get some great deals with sales and coupons.
thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
I would say 95% of the time I buy store brands.
Blogged: http://insanityisforthelame.blogspot.com/2011/02/walgreens-giveaway.html
Walgreen’s is a [fairly] recent addition to our town, and already it’s our go to pharmacy! I loooove the Wal-brands, so I’ll usually go with those unless the name brands are on sale or there’s a SPECIFIC item I’m looking for. Price is king in our household!
I like Walgreens vitamins
I like Walgreen vitamins
I usually buy the store brand, and I agree that Walgreen’s stuff is GOOD!
Here is my blog post.
http://memaw-memawsworld.blogspot.com/
Love Walgreens for health and beauty products.
I’ve purchased Walgreens ibuprofen and think it’s a fantastic product. Works just as well as any name brand ibuprofen and is half the cost. =]
Thanks for the giveaway!
I usually buy store brands unless the name brand is on sale or I have a coupon for it. I think that store brands work just as well as name brands.
I love Walgreens! A great place for unexpected finds!
Oops, got so excited about entering I forgot to answer hoe question. I buy a combination of national brands and store brands. Usually buy store brands on recommendations from family and friends.
Of late, I’ve been buying store brands, because I just don’t have the time for extensive couponing. Store brands in my experience work just fine.
dwellenstein at cox dot net
I buy both if there is a sale on name
brand and I have a coupon and it is
good deal if not I buy store brand. Most
of the store brands are very good.
If a name brand is on sale amd I have
a coupon and it is a good deal I will
buy name brand if not I buy store
brand. I found most store brands
are very good.
If the name brand is on sale and I have a coupon and it is a good deal
I buy name brand if not I buy alot of store brand and I am happy with
store brand.
We usually buy a combination, but usually generics unless there’s a big difference in the quality.
I usually buy name brands but I like their ibuprofen.
We absolutely buy generic (private label) on drug products as there is no difference. Some food products we like, but we at least try them before not buying them! Affordability depends on what sales are going on. Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com
i typically buy store brand pain relievers and national brand cold relievers
I typically buy the national brand. [And I now realize I should *seriously* rethink that ~ and I’m looking forward to my Walgreens run tomorrow.]
Thanks!
I buy a combination as I have preferences in both categories for certain products.
I like the Private labels for meds and personal items but when it comes to the foods, I can get pretty peticular.
dolniaks[at]consolidated[dot]net
I am a bargain shopper. SO it’s name brand products that I get with coupons, double coupons, UPS from stores, etc. BUT I also use Walgreen’s brand meds. Especially their allergy meds for my husband. He relies heavily on his favorite, Wal-dryl.
Depends on the item, but usually store brand!
I typically buy store brands unless a sale on national brands or coupons bring their cost lowest…
I always buy store brands and have never been disappointed in the quality. I love the prices.
I buy a combination. Depends on the product and the price.
I’m a Walgreens fan as well- but sadly haven’t memorized the cashiers names yet :) But I am always willing to try to store brand over the manufacturer brand- I am a girl driven by price any day. I have a very few things that I will only use name brand…and I mean VERY FEW! Thanks for this opportunity! I have another baby on the way very soon and could stock up on some sweet little newborn diapers with a gift card from Walgreens!!
I, too, love Walgreens!
I buy a lot of store brand items. However, there are a few things, mostly food items, that I’m a little snobby about and require the national name brand. But hey, I’m all for the cheaper (which is usually the store brand) when it comes to purchasing items!
Would love to stock up on some Walgreens’ products!
I’m a store brand gal. And I LOVE Walgreens–I’ve only known of their fantastic-ness for a couple years now. LOVE them so much!
Oh my gosh….we love Walgreens too!
We go there several times during the week. I love running by on Sunday’s after church to see what’s new on the sale ad!
I buy everything in there. Especially if it’s on sale.
Generic or namebrand! I’m not picky!
We buy a mix, depending on the store and the product. Even my beloved Publix can’t get me to switch to store brand soda and chocolate chips.
I definitely buy store brand when I know the product is as good or better than the big name brand. It’s silly not to! Also, there’s a new Walgreens near me now and I am wearing. it. out. Love it.
I usually buy store brands for medicine but as far as food I usually go with name brands
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/40183679015862272
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
love walgreens!! was just there today!! ty for the giveaway!!
ebm1277@yahoo.com
I usually buy store brand, especially if I don’t have any coupons, because they are cheaper and work just as well.
I typically use the store brands unless there is a good sale running coupled with a coupon discount.
What a great giveaway, thanks for the chance to win, love Walgreens:)
I tweeted this giveaway on twitter!
http://twitter.com/?status=Walgreens%20Giveaway%20-%20https://www.boomama.net/2011/02/18/walgreens-giveaway/#!/faitcam/status/40206061713625088
I usually buy name brands with medicine becuase I feel they will be more trusted and tested.
THANKS for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!
Scott Martin
spmartin122@gmail.com
have switched to private brands – no difference
My Walgreens is a block away, and I know all my cashiers, and a few managers, and all the photo techs… They’re so used to me it’s probably pathetic.
usually buy store brands
I buy alot of different private labels. I like publix and walgreens private brands.
If you can save money then it makes cents.
With very few exceptions I have no problem buying store brands. They nearly always taste/work the same as the name brands but cost much less. Sometimes even using a coupon the name brand is more expensive. Husband is unemployed so we have to stretch our budget very thin. Any savings is good!
Usually I buy store brands over national ones, whichever costs less at the time.
chainmail (at) iwon(dot) com
I usually buy a little bit of both…mostly like the Walgreens brands of Claritin and Nyquil.
I also tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/Delenn25
I LOVE Walgreens! I’m there almost every other day! I would say 9 times out of 10 I buy store brands. Some things are better in the name brands but most of the time the store brand is the same or better quality!
Tweeted about this giveaway– http://twitter.com/#!/ljsmom0710/status/40422237748199424