Convenience Store?

For many students who live on campus, CVS in the Commons is the only place to pick up medicine, household items and school supplies.

Recently, some students have criticized the retailer -- the sole drugstore on campus -- for not accepting Campus Cash and for charging high prices for everyday items. CVS is the only shop in the Commons that does not accept Campus Cash as a form of payment.

"I think it's ridiculous that CVS doesn't accept Campus Cash," said Scott Allwes, senior communication major.

The Commons' CVS employees said they were not permitted to discuss the issue. Craig Chalifoux, the CVS district manager, refused to comment.

Other retailers in the Commons said that Campus Cash is an important part of their business.

"At least 80 percent of my business is from Campus Cash," said David Relan, owner of Watch Worth.

A high proportion of buyers at Campus Pizza and Burger King swipe their cards as well.

"Campus Cash increases our business," said Patricia Smith, third assistant manager of Burger King. "On a weekly average, it's used by between 1,000 and 2,000 students throughout the day."

Jim Mirtri, owner of Campus Pizza, said his restaurant relies on Campus Cash to stay afloat.

"Let's put it this way. Without it, I'd be out of business," he said.

Hedi Wilson, a barista at Starbucks, agreed that Campus Cash is a sure-fire way to increase sales when many students actually aren't footing the bill.

"You wouldn't believe how many parents pay for frappuccinos," Wilson said.

In a recent analysis, The Spectrum found that CVS's prices are also consistently higher than many off-campus retailers, especially larger stores such as Target on Niagara Falls Boulevard and Wegmans on Alberta Drive, though they remain competitive with small chains such as Rite Aid.

For instance, a 12 oz. bottle of Clairol Herbal Essences shampoo, which costs $3.99 at both CVS and Rite Aid, costs only $2.79 at Target and $2.99 at Wegmans.

Cold season at UB is following right on the heels of winter weather, and to remedy sickness, a 10 oz. bottle of Vicks NyQuil costs $5.99 at CVS, $6.49 at Rite Aid, $4.54 at Target, and $4.25 at Wegmans.

The same price trend holds true for store brands. A 10 fl. oz. bottle of the CVS and Rite Aid brand Nightime Relief medicine costs $4.49, whereas a Target brand 10 fl. oz. bottle of Nightime Relief medicine costs $2.84, and Wegmans brand costs $2.99.

Allwes, the senior communication major, said he has noticed the difference between CVS prices and other retailers.

"The prices are unbelievable," Allwes said. "I would just rather go down the street and get my stuff for cheaper."

Other students are ambivalent towards shopping at CVS.

"Some of the prices are okay, but the prices on stuff we need, like food, are really expensive," said Carolynne Jones, a junior speech and hearing major.

However, Gerard Porter, junior history major, said he can justify the higher prices as a result of convenience.

"I just stopped to get some medicine," said Porter. "A difference of $2 doesn't mean as much as convenience."

Many first year students like Ashley Staring, a freshman undecided major, choose CVS because of their unfamiliarity with the UB campus.

"The prices are reasonable because of my lack of transportation, and I don't know any other places on campus," she said.

According to Michelle Blair, front-end manager at Target, the prices are less expensive at Target than CVS because Target is a larger retail.

"Smaller pharmacies prices aren't competitive, and we are very competitive," Blair said. "Although (CVS claims) to have low prices, I don't think it's true. We have someone go around to each store to make sure our prices are the lowest."