Shoppers Drug Mart

Today, I visited Shoppers Drug Mart in Parksville to purchase a pain relief product. I had a question concerning it, so I approached the pharmacy "check-in" desk. A Pharmacy Assistant was at that desk on the computer and she directed me to the end to speak with a Pharmacist, which was fine. However, what caught my attention, is that the Assistant had a bowl of "Goldfish" and other crackers on the desk beside her and was eating them while on the computer. This bowl was in plain view, and she made no attempt to hide the fact that she was eating. I mentioned this to the Pharmacist, and she said she "would tell her boss" about it. I have NEVER seen this at a pharmacy before, and I am surprised that this is allowed in a medical/health environment. I am hoping the "boss" is proactive here!

I have read some of the other reviews, but my experience with the pharmacy staff was excellent. I had initially scheduled for an RSV shot at two different pharmacies in Nanaimo. First one wasn't aware I was coming and said I needed a prescription. I said their web site says I don't one and the pharmacist can can prescribe. Assistant went and checked with pharmacist and was told I was right and they would do it. She then came back after about 10 minutes and said they didn't have any vaccine and didn't know when they would be getting some in - phone first. I booked an appointment at a different pharmacy and when I got there they were closed. I had to wait until they opened and then they also wanted to know what I wanted. They also did not have the vaccine in stock, and thought it would be in during the week sometime and to phone first. I asked them why they schedule appointments when they are closed or don't have any vaccine in stock. Answer was - it is a pharmacist association web site, and they have no control over what they do. I scheduled with Shoppers in Parksville, got a phone call in the morning confirming my appointment, they had the vaccine and it would be ready for me when I got there. Assistant that administered the shot was right on time, explained the vaccine to me, and was pleasant as can be. I have since been back for a Shingles and Pneumonia shot with the same service level - phone call in the morning to confirm, ready when I got there for my appointment, and clear explanation on what to expect. Pharmacist even stepped away from the back counter and asked if I was getting everything I needed. I couldn't ask for better service than what I got

Had the nicest customer service from a lady with a silver hair and pony tail! Very friendly and kind. Thank you

WOW! Tried calling them numerous times today and they dont even answer their phones, was going to tell them I found their cart behind Chestnut St at the entrance to the trails, but their loss if you cant even have staff to answer the phones. Not impressed. Only shop at Parksville Pharmacy from now on by Quality Foods, lovely friendly unhurried staff there.

It’s a nice store. Nice layout. Great staff who are trying hard and I feel bad for them as they have to deal with some head office or management silliness. The staff can only do so much. But the poor customers are caught up in the poor management/store policies. Today it was busy! Which is not unusual. Very long lineup. Two cashes open. The line up was very long and super chaotic! Many customers tried to improve the Situation and use the self checkouts. That is what Shoppers wants right! One would think Shoppers would appreciate these customers right? Not at all! They are treating these people poorly! Most of the shoppers were seniors. If you have anything different from scan and pay you are in trouble (discount? Gift card? Etc) And if you don’t know to ask for help in the chaos then you don’t get your discount. I saw this happen to customers. A staff person was trying to help everyone, but there are quite a few self checkout terminals. Two different folk questioned why they didn’t get a discount. The answer is you need to ask for us to get it. Now the customer has to go to the end of the long lineup and get a refund for everything so they get the discount. Well that certainly is inefficient and just makes a chaotic frustrating lineup worse. Wow! What a poor way to treat customers who are doing what Shoppers Drug Mart wants them to. When I asked about that (like why not be super smart snd put a code up or a sign up or something) I was told they can’t put anything up on the terminals to help the situation. This says to me Shoppers does not give a hoot for their customers and treats them terribly. For sure I will never use the self serve terminals and will advise others to not use them. Not until management starts thinking about customer service and efficiency. How terribly disrespectful of both customers snd staffs time. It maybe a case of people in suits not being on the floor to experience what’s going on.
And perhaps a better way to go in a sign that says “ need a discount? Press help button”. And also give anyone using self checkout a thank you of 50 or a 100 optimum points.

Disappointed in the service and the price for passport photos. The service person was far from a ray of sunshine, which I didn’t let her dampen my spirits. When I asked if the photos can be done digitally, she said no! Why not? I asked, to which she back peddled and said that she could put the photo on a thumb drive after all. Lost a customer due to high prices and poor customer service. Went somewhere else (Nanaimo) for digital passport photos and saved a ton of money.

Giving the 5-stars to the Cosmology Ladies working there. Really helpful and friendly. Appreciate the help.

Jessica was rude and tried to scam my friend and didn’t give her the proper amount of money for the refund. Then we went back and she refused to give cash and gave a gift card instead. TERRIBLE service

As a long time shoppers at this location. I can definitely say it's gone down hill since the change of hours and covid. It's sad really. Often little stock, high dispensing fee's, and hard to find help when needed.

The hours need to reflect the needs of the community! Shoppers is not just a place for retirees who have endless daytime hours.

Used the Post Office this last week. Staff were extremely helpful and accommodating - even it as was very close to Christmas and crazy busy. First rate!

Very rude staff working in pharmacy.
They (she) could certainly use some customer service training (dark haired lady)
Made me feel very uncomfortable as a customer.

I was "shocked" to read complaints. I have been using this Shoppers Drug Mart for over 18 years and find it to be the "best"! The staff are so polite and always willing to help. I have nothing but the highest regards to the staff in cosmetics, the general store staff and the most "helpful" pharmacy. They definitely are under pressure thru these difficult years of COVID, like all stores, are striving for "staffing" problems. I just want this Shoppers Drug Mart. THEIR STAFF.to know I have used Shoppers living in many different cities and I BRAG THAT THIS IS THE BEST SHOPPERS DRUG STORE I have ever used. A VERY HAPPY CLIENT.

Checked website to see if I could get a drop in flu shot. It said dropping in's welcome. When I got there a dark haired pharmacist said no drop ins and that i needed to book an appointment on line. She flipped me a yellow slip of paper with log in info. I told her that I was from Yukon and could not log in due to no BC Healthcare card. She also told me it would cost 40 dollars for the shot. So I asked her what were my options and she shrugged her shoulders and said nothing. I then asked her are there other drug stores that would provide the shot for me and she rudely gave me a name. I went across the street and had my shot at no charge in 15 minutes.
This person in Shoppers needs to take a course in customer relations and maybe try another profession. Worst attitude I have seen since coming to the Island as a snowbird. I will not be back to Shopper's.