When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
CVS
Why CVS is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
CVS Pharmacy offers a uniquely convenient venue for meeting up with friends while attending to daily health and wellness needs. With approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, CVS provides easy accessibility across many neighborhoods, making it a practical spot for quick meetups and shopping trips[3]. The stores have been optimized through recent rightsizing efforts, balancing the number of locations to enhance efficiency while improving the in-store experience and pharmacy services[1]. CVS stores feature a broad selection of prescription medications, over-the-counter health products, and general merchandise, supporting both wellness and everyday convenience. Many locations include walk-in medical clinics, providing accessible healthcare services in one place[3]. These smaller-format, pharmacy-first locations combine streamlined shopping with essential health services, making them especially suitable for busy schedules. Additionally, CVS’s strategic acquisitions and pharmacy expansions, including integrating locations from Rite Aid, ensure sustained service quality and product availability. This creates a dependable environment for friends to gather briefly while addressing health prescriptions or picking up goods. Meeting at CVS can be quick and efficient, supported by a wide range of wellness products, vaccination administration, and pharmacy care programs often tailored to community needs.
Here's what people think of CVS
As of recent, CVS holds a 3-star rating based on 123 reviews.
Users reviewing CVS Pharmacy have noted a varied experience reflected in their collective rating of 3.0 out of 5 from 123 reviews, highlighting both strengths and challenges. Positive reviews frequently praise CVS for its convenient locations and comprehensive pharmacy services that cover everything from prescriptions to vaccinations and walk-in clinic consultations[3]. Many appreciate the chain’s efforts to innovate through the addition of smaller, pharmacy-focused stores and the availability of over-the-counter health products, which provides a quick and effective shopping experience[1]. The integration of services such as diagnostic testing and patient care programs has also been well-received, making CVS a reliable stop for health-related errands. However, some users express dissatisfaction with issues like wait times at busy locations and occasional stock shortages, which impact the convenience factor. Others mention mixed experiences with customer service, noting inconsistencies between stores. These critiques point to the challenges CVS faces in maintaining service quality amid store rightsizing and expansion efforts. Despite these drawbacks, the overall customer feedback suggests that CVS successfully supports community health and wellness needs. The combination of pharmacy expertise, accessible clinic services, and convenient store formats makes CVS a practical choice for many. While there is room for improvement, particularly in customer experience and operational consistency, CVS remains a popular, accessible pharmacy chain anchored in its mission to provide connected and affordable healthcare services to millions of people[5].
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
ronnapat dhitirojana
This review is for the pharmacy. After my urgent care visit and still in terrible pain, I asked for my prescription to be sent to this location due to its convenient distance. Knowing that it may take time to process the script, I gave them about 30 minutes from leaving urgent care to start processing. I arrived and got in queue to check in. A pharmacy employee stated that they just received it and it would be 30 minutes to fill. I expected this so I stayed and was hobbling around the store to kill some time. After 30 minutes elapsed, I checked in again to a different person. The original person was still there filling orders. They stated that they did not have the medication and place an order. I would be able to have it for a day or more. I was disappointed since I was walking around there in obvious pain and they didn’t bother to let me know when they found out. The employee then stated they can send it to another CVS 20-25 minutes away to fill since they had it in stock. In desperation I asked this to happen and see if the order can be prioritized. She said that I should just head there and she will transfer it. I then drove to the other store only to find out that they did not have the medication either. The pharmacist there stated that the order should have been called in to check and see if it was available before sending me all the way there. The Plymouth and Green store did not follow this and sent someone in terrible pain on a wild goose chase. This is completely unacceptable service and in my opinion lacked any care nor competence. By this time, all other stores are closed and now I have to wait for the following day to verify that my medication to address my pain was even ordered. I hope no one else has to experience this. When someone is in serious pain and depends on a pharmacy to provide medication to alleviate said pain, I urge you to look elsewhere for more competent and caring business. Update: why are they so poor at service? I had to jump through hoops to get this reordered since they never ordered it after the ordeal above. Was supposed to be filled by today at 6pm. I called and they said it will now be Monday. Then said another store has it. I begged for the to verify before they transferred the prescription but that never happened. Have to follow up with the state street store again late in the evening. Unbelievable. I hope they close this store. Also, the automated “we care” response never got anywhere. No one calls you back from customer service.
Vivian Loh
When using multiple coupons the CVS their register deducts coupons in the least favorable order for the customer. I would like the most valuable coupon redeemed first rather than last.
Louisa Self
Originally gave 1 star review but updated it to 3. Placed an order online to pickup photo cards at this location yesterday. Printer broke and no one contacted me so I waited my time going to pick them up. No one followed up with me today about printing my cards as promised so i had to call there. Told me to contact 800# for refund which took 28 minutes on the phone and they will not honor 60% off promo or give me the cards for free for my inconvenience. They said I will need to recreate card, pay more and go pick them up. No thanks! Will go somewhere else with better customer service! Update: received an unexpected text a week later that my photo cards were ready. Photos looked ok but the resolution was not as good as other stores and the mailing envelopes were very low quality.
Asmaa Abdel-Salam, DDS
The staff were very friendly and attentive to my needs. Highly recommend! Diverse team as well, very professional and kind.
Mariko Hayashi
James at the reception was so nice! Right when we were checking out, he went out of his way to ask us if we were subscribing Members, because the wine we were buying would be $3 off if we were, and I said in not sure, but I might be. And even though I had ALREADY scanned my card for payment, he cancelled the transaction, and rescanned everything for us, looked up my number, and low-and-behold, I was! So thanks to his dedicated consideration, we got $3 off ^-^. And he was perfectly pleasant through the whole interaction. Thanks you, James!! You da best ❤️🙌🏻🫂
How to reach CVS
None
Website: None
Why CVS may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at CVS with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a casual meetup at CVS might not be the first idea that springs to mind, but there are practical and convenient reasons to consider it a stop on your group hangout itinerary. CVS stores offer a one-stop shop environment where you can easily grab essentials, snacks, and drinks all in a single trip, which simplifies planning and ensures everyone’s immediate needs are met. For groups looking to coordinate health or wellness goals together, CVS provides access to over-the-counter medications, personal care items, and even basic health screenings, making it a useful and supportive environment. Moreover, CVS’s widespread locations and typically convenient hours mean your group has flexible timing options to get together without struggling to find a common availability. Though not a traditional hangout place, the ease of combining errands with social time at CVS can turn routine tasks into moments of connection. Its central role in many communities as a pharmacy and convenience store makes CVS an unexpectedly practical venue for certain types of group meetups.
What activities can you do at CVS with your friends?
Visiting CVS with your friends transforms what often feels like a solitary chore into a shared experience. First, you can shop together for everyday essentials, snacks, or seasonal items, which can be a fun and social activity in itself as you recommend and discover products. Exploring CVS’s variety of personal care, beauty, and health products allows you to compare choices, swap tips, and even test small samples if available. For groups with shared health concerns, you can discuss and select wellness products such as vitamins or supplements, which helps turn wellness into a communal pursuit. You can also use this time to pick up over-the-counter remedies that support recovery or increased energy, perfect if your group is planning something physically active afterward. Many CVS locations also feature photo kiosks where you and your friends can print photos, create custom photo gifts, or instantly share memories. While certain locations have MinuteClinic services, you can use the visit as a springboard for supporting each other in health check-ins.
Why is CVS perfect for a group meetup?
CVS is a convenient and accessible venue for groups because it meets several logistical and comfort needs without the usual pretense or pressure of typical meetup spots. The store’s consistent layout and product range make it easy to navigate for everyone, regardless of age or familiarity with the place. Since CVS tends to be available in most towns and cities, groups don’t have to travel far, reducing the hassle of coordinating transportation. The presence of quick grab-and-go items such as beverages, packaged foods, and fresh coffee means the group can energize or refresh without needing to leave the location. For those interested in multitasking, CVS’s pharmacy counter and wellness stations allow participants to take care of prescriptions or health consults during the meetup, which helps maximize everyone’s time. Even with a modest 3.0 star rating and mixed customer reviews, CVS’s reliability as a utility store and its broad offerings make it a pragmatic choice when group members have practical needs to address alongside social connection.
How does CVS support group wellness activities?
CVS can serve as a hub for groups focused on health and self-care. Many CVS stores have MinuteClinic services staffed by nurse practitioners, providing flu shots, basic physical screenings, and health advice without an appointment. This makes scheduling a group wellness check convenient and low-stress. Additionally, CVS offers a wide range of health products suitable for group wellness challenges or shared routines, from protein powders and vitamins to skincare and fitness recovery aids. Groups can jointly explore these offerings, exchanging insights on what helps with wellness goals such as improved sleep, immune support, or fitness recovery. For friends or families managing chronic conditions, CVS’s pharmacy services provide a familiar environment to discuss medication needs or insurance questions. Supportive group conversations combined with access to resources can foster motivation and accountability, turning CVS into more than just a pharmacy but a meeting point for shared health initiatives. Even for casual meetups, the wellness aspect enhances the value of rallying at CVS.
What practical benefits does CVS offer for group gatherings?
CVS’s business model—combining pharmacy, convenience retail, and health services—delivers practical benefits that facilitate group transactions and easy meetups. The store’s open layout and typically large footprint can accommodate small gatherings, allowing friends or family members to navigate aisles together or split up to shop for individual needs before regrouping. CVS provides quick checkouts with multiple registers, including self-checkout options, helping groups move efficiently and avoid long waits. For meetups that involve sharing snacks or supplies, CVS’s offering of pre-packaged food, drinks, and household items allows straightforward group purchases without the need for complex planning. Its accessibility features, like ample parking and often wheelchair-friendly entrances, ensure the comfort of all attendees. Furthermore, CVS’s extended hours across many locations offer flexibility for after-work or weekend meetups. By selecting CVS as a meeting spot, groups benefit from an environment that is familiar, functional, and focused on convenience.
What makes CVS different from other meetup places?
Unlike cafes, parks, or entertainment venues, CVS offers a practical and utilitarian environment designed around health, convenience, and daily necessities. This distinct focus makes it a unique meetup place where socializing can be combined with accomplishing essential personal and group errands. Where other locations may prioritize entertainment or aesthetic ambiance, CVS emphasizes reliability, breadth of product range, and ease of access. This functional atmosphere can appeal to groups who value efficient, multitasking meetups over purely recreational gatherings. CVS also offers services like prescription pick-up and photo printing, unique value adds that differing venues do not typically provide. While it doesn’t offer traditional social spaces like seating areas or food service counters, CVS allows meetups where interaction happens in motion and behind shared practical tasks. This makes it ideal for groups focused on pragmatic collaboration, health management, or quick joint errands.
How does CVS accommodate different group sizes and demographics?
Whether your group is small or larger, a mix of ages or specific demographics such as families, friends, or coworkers, CVS accommodates a range of social compositions. Its standardized store sizes and layouts create a familiar experience, lowering barriers for older adults or people who may be new to a particular location. For families, CVS offers a range of children's products, snacks, and health items that make it easy to attend to younger members’ needs during a meetup. For friends or coworkers, CVS can serve as a neutral, no-pressure space conducive to quick interactions and grouped tasks. The presence of pharmacy staff and customer support means groups with special health considerations can receive personalized assistance. Because CVS is a chain, group members from diverse locations often know what to expect, which supports smoother coordination. Its accessibility features also welcome people with disabilities, ensuring inclusive group experiences.
What are some tips for hosting a smooth group meetup at CVS?
To optimize a group meetup at CVS, consider clearly communicating with your friends or family about the purpose of the visit—whether it’s shopping, wellness check-ins, photo printing, or simply catching up en route to other plans. Divide and conquer strategies work well in large groups; designate shopping pairs or individuals to pick up specific items and then regroup to share finds. Check CVS store hours in advance to ensure they align with everyone’s schedules, especially since some locations vary. Be prepared for possible wait times at the pharmacy counter by coordinating arrival times or encouraging refill orders ahead online. If your group plans to browse together, focus on sections like snacks or personal care products to maximize shared engagement. Bringing reusable bags helps with carrying multiple items. Keeping meetups casual and task-oriented helps avoid frustrations and leverages CVS’s strengths as a facilitative backdrop to social time.
How can CVS enhance your group's health awareness?
In addition to its core pharmacy services, CVS plays a key role in promoting community health awareness, which your group can tap into when meeting there. Many locations provide access to health screenings and preventative services directly onsite or through affiliated MinuteClinics. This offers an opportunity for educational conversations around health topics your group cares about, such as seasonal flu vaccines or managing chronic conditions collaboratively. CVS’s digital platforms and in-store displays often highlight wellness campaigns and health tips, creating a supportive environment for health-conscious groups. By integrating these resources into meetups, your friends or family can deepen their health knowledge while supporting each other’s goals. This unique intersection of social gathering and health promotion sets CVS apart from other commercial meet-up spots.
Is CVS a good place for combining errands with social time?
Yes, CVS is highly effective at turning necessary errands into social opportunities. Since groups often need to run pharmacy or household item errands individually, combining these needs in one visit at CVS enables socializing without adding extra trips. The store’s variety of products allows each person to find something useful while benefiting from the company of friends or family. Whether you’re waiting together for prescriptions, sampling new products, or navigating checkout, these moments promote casual interaction. Using CVS as a shared errands destination helps your group be efficient while maintaining social bonds, keeping everyone productive and connected. This blend of convenience and companionship fills a niche seldom matched by other venues geared solely toward leisure or entertainment.
The focus on practicality, accessibility, and health services makes CVS a uniquely suited spot for certain types of group meetups — especially for friends or families looking to combine the social with the essential. Despite its modest 3.0-star rating, CVS’s consistent availability and multitasking potential provide value by turning routine errands into opportunities for connection, support, and shared wellness goals.