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In a city where the HIV/AIDS infection rate has reached epidemic proportions, is it OK for drug stores to keep their condoms under lock and key, theoretically discouraging skittish shoppers, especially teens, from purchasing them?
That was among the many messages a group of protesters discussed in Dupont Circle this afternoon. About 50 people representing a coalition of organizations and activists that includes the National Organization of Women, the Latino Commission on AIDS, Black Women for Wellness, the Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project and many others gathered today to announce a nationwide campaign against CVS for the practice of locking up condoms in their stores. The Cure CVS: Unlock the Condoms Initiative is asking CVS to adopt a corporate policy to keep all condoms unlocked at all times.
Not all CVS stores do opt to keep their condoms in locked cabinets -- the CVS store in Dupont Circle, directly behind the protest, for example, does not. But a survey conducted by the group of more than 2,200 CVS stores found that CVS locks up condoms in 19 of 21 markets surveyed. More damning, in 13 of those markets, they say CVS has a pattern of locking condoms disproportionately in communities of color.
Have you noticed CVS stores in the D.C. area locking up their condoms? Tell us which ones in the comments.
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I've encountered the locked-up condoms both in CVS (don't remember which one) and Rite Aid. The problem I have with them being under lock and key (I'm not embarrassed to buy condoms) is that you can't find a staff person in the store to assist you.
I agree. It's a convenience issue, but that's not their argument as to why this should stop.
Yeah, I get it. And frankly I tend to agree with their point. I'd like to know the rationale CVS uses for this policy. Anti-theft doesn't quite cut it for me, unless they can show statistics related to condom theft versus, say, candy bar theft.
I wouldn't mind seeing the stats, but I have a feeling people are stealing condoms more frequently than candy bars. Condoms cost quite a bit more.
CVS also charges up to double what other places like Bed, Bath & Beyond do for condoms, which might also deter people from buying them.
They lock up the soap and deodorant at the Columbia Heights CVS! So it's not a surprise that they lock up the condoms too. And good luck finding someone to unlock any of those items for you. Why is anyone shocked that CVS "has a pattern of locking condoms disproportionately in communities of color?" That shouldn't surprise anyone. I am more shocked that the Columbia Heights CVS hasn't either been put out of business by Target, or turned into a store with plexiglass in front, where a cashier asks you what you want, then goes and gets it for you.
They lock them on Columbia Rd in Adams Morgan too.
I always ascribed this to the overall ghettoness of DC. The CVS at 14th & Irving also locks up the frigging toothbrushes behind lock and key (or at least it did the last time I was in that store, about a year ago.) That being said, the CVS on Columbia Rd. and Ontario does not.
At the risk of being incredibly non-PC, I think the corporate policy is this: in areas where your customer base is largely black, lock everything up. In areas where your customer base is not largely black, don't worry about it.
That would also explain why the CVS at Dupont Circle does not have the condoms under lock & key.
They lock up soap and other basic sundries at MANY of the CVS stores in DC. Mind-boggling.
Is it discrimination, or is it anti-theft? Many CVS stores used to lock up the razor blades but now put them in those dispensors that will only give you one box at a time. I noticed that the CVS at Thomas Circle has installed a similar system for the deoderant. I'm guessing that the act of having to open the dispensor (which always makes some kind of noise) discourages people from pocketing the merchandise. Perhaps CVS just needs to invent a similar mechanism for condoms.
(As for why razor blades and condoms would be stolen more often than pain relievers, I have no idea. Condoms at least make sense on that score, since I could imagine folks being too embarrassed to pay for them. But in that case, why not lock up the stool softeners?)
Ah, but note that they didn't say this. They couched it as an embarrassment. If they came out and said yeah, unlocking them will result in more thefts, but that's more socially acceptable than more AIDS, then I think more people would be supported. It's this window-dressing bullshit that is so annoying.
Those razor blade dispensers have worked approx. 2% of the time for me. The other 98% of the time I either give up and buy them elsewhere, or try to find a salesperson...and again give up and buy them elsewhere.
RAZORBLADES could tenchincally be used as a weapon, and thus it makes perfect sense to lock that up.
In regard to the condom debate, I have a wonderful solution: Let's sell single condoms for 1/8 of the price of a pack...that way people will be more inclined to purchase it for their one-night stands. Anyone agree?
CONDOMS SOLD PER CONDOM NOT PER PACK!!! GENIUS!!!
Grrr. I meant to say "as for why razor blades and deoderant would be stolen more often than pain relievers, I have no idea."
More idiocy.
The purpose behind locking them up is to prevent theft. Period. That purpose is served.
An unintended, or perhaps intended but accepted, consequence is preventing the so-called skittish shoppers from buying them. I call shenanigans, because even if the condoms were hanging out on the shelves, they would still have TO PAY FOR THEM. Therefore, eliminating one potentially embarrassing contact with the dude who unlocks the case doesn't eliminate the problem, because there's still another, separate and unavoidable potentially embarrasing contact with the cashier.
And no, the self-checkout does not fix the problem. Everyone knows that the people in line are watching the self-checkers intently as they scan their condoms, whipped cream, and bananas.
I agree that super skittish shoppers won't want to pay someone personally for condoms, but do CVS stores in DC have any semblance of customer service? The main problem here is access. If you allow the customer to access the condoms easily they will be more likely to endure the one interaction with the check out person.
The check out person is generally up at the register, there have been times I have wandered around CVS looking for anyone to help me unlock deodorant. It's near impossible.
And, as everyone knows, if you want to minimize the embarrassment of paying for your condoms, you just buy a pile of other things and hope that nobody notices the rubbers in the middle of cough medicine and greeting cards.
Also, it's waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more embarrassing to have to push that button, wait for someone to come over, pick out your condoms while they wait and stare, then have them lock it back up than it is to simply go to the counter and pay for them, which you still have to do in the first situation. Especially if you're a teenager. I say unlock the condoms and put the rack in view of the cashier so they can keep an eye on theft. Everybody wins.
This is right on target. Condoms are locked because they're relatively expensive and small and can be easily pocketed in a hoodie, seat pocket or, if you came into town on a tour bus, a fanny pack. From a business owner's point of view, this is a no-brainer.
If you want to stop people from stealing raincoats, someone should starting putting those huge plastic handles on the boxes like the ones the used to put on CDs back when people bought CDs.
Shenanigans? Leave the Irish out of this!
They lock up condoms at Bed Bath & Beyond too. And they wonder why teen pregnancy is on the rise?
How long have they been selling condoms at Bed, Bath & Beyond? And why don't those condoms ever appear on someone's wedding registry?
Yeah, either my BB&B is inferior or there's a special back room somewhere that I'm missing.
Turns out Peter Griffin was right: "Better stay away from that 'Beyond' section..."
You need to go to the same Bed, Bath, & Beyond Adam Sandler went to in the movie Click.
Oh, and Kate Beckinsale is smoking hot.
Maybe what we really need are coin-operated condom machines on every street corner. Or on the outside of each CVS.
I was just going to mention this. Problems solved, plus you can get some when the CVS is closed.
Those machines sell condoms? I thought they dispense the funniest tasting, hardest to chew gum ever made!
Beware the cum gum, Henry!
Ever visited a gas station in Al, Ga, or the FL Pan handel... Condoms..usually the rough rider brand, "roating, fun toys" and tampons... so convenient. I can get all of that while paying only 25 cents to get my weight, bmi, horoscope and BONUS lucky lotto numbers.
I think Wizzyliz has a key.
Actually CVS could turn this into a marketing plan...
CVS, Where you let everyone know you’re the one getting laid ®;
“Two dozen Extra-Large Condoms, please”
Don't these idiots have better things to do with their time/energy than protest this? I see no problem with anti-theft measures, if you're not mature enough to be asking for the clerk to get you condoms you're not mature enough to be having sex. (and you're probably not mature enough to pay for them and would probably steal them anyway)
They're trying to find "something better to do" but they can't get at the condoms.
And if you call it "pop-pop," you're definitely not ready to have sex.
Protest One Protester Short of Success
not just in dc - philly CVS's lock 'em up, too!
And thus the reason I patronize G Books. Yes, it looks seedy, but you can get the condoms quickly and cheaply (25 cents a pop).
Go to the Leather Rack. EVERYONE is buying condoms there... and porn, and assless leather chaps, and cock rings. Hell, condoms may be the least embarrasing thing you can buy there. Added bonus, nitrous chargers! It's like a little slice of heaven on Connecticut Ave.
And a lovely selection of Frye boots! (And what chaps aren't assless, anyway?)
I've been questioning this practice for years. I think that the theft issue is easily solved by keeping condoms behind the counter (lock up the batteries and Nicorette if you need the space) instead of in the back of the store. Especially the DC stores that get a lot of traffic and have NO customer service.
CVS on 17th and P locks them, but go to a CVS in Roslyn or Fairfax and you'll discover the Mecca of condom walls (without the anti-theft displays).
Still, they're cheaper at Target.
Thank you. I was wondering the same exact thing -- why not just put them behind the counter?
They should be protesting the pharmacy. The CVS Dupont Circle pharmacy has to be one of the worst in the region in terms of service.
Actually the one in Logan Circle is worse.
As is the one in Cleveland Park
Yeah - do like 7-11 and put them behind the counter. Besides, it's before-and-after one-stop shopping: "A pack of Trojans and pack of Marlboro's, please!"
POPPYCOCK.
really? really gonna try and pull the racism card here? does it really seem likely that CVS has a conspiratorial policy to keep condoms from minorities? They're a business. Why would they do that? Isn't it obvious that this is a theft prevention measure? You know, something a business actually has an interest (and a right) to do?why don't these protesters just protest shoplifting? it will be just as effective, but at least it will address the real problem.
And for all you people who can't ever find a CVS employee to help you: look at the front, behind the cash register. They tend to be there.
Yeah, but just try and get them to move out from behind that counter to help you... More likely they'll just go on the intercom. Actually, the CVS across the street from my office seems to be trying to do away with staff completely. They've installed a lot of self-checkouts and just direct you to those. Often there isn't even a cashier at a register. To be fair, though, their pharmacist is really good - very customer-oriented (at 20th & M St. store).
> To be fair, though, their pharmacist is really good - very customer-oriented
Agreed, Jim is the best
Is it really hard to believe that a public company that has a responsibility towards its share holders is motivated by profit to reduce shrinkage. I mean, maybe it isn't all knee jerk racism and Christian morality. Maybe one day they'll invent a computerized inventory that can keep track of what items are being stolen at a rate that incurs a significant loss at any given store, like razor blades and condoms. Oh wait....
No, no, no, it appears racist. CVS should totally go into those neighborhoods and just throw dollar bills into the street. While we're at it, someone should force neighborhood markets to remove their bullet proof glass. I mean, really, what does that bullet proof glass say about the business owners perception of their customers?
huh huh huh ... you said "shrinkage."
huh huh huh ... you said "shrinkage."
Free Condoms Now!! Free Condoms Now!!
they lock up pregnancy tests on Columbia Rd, too. Annoying! "ummm hi! i think my boyfriend and i had sex while blacked out last week, and I'm feeling queasy, can you open this up so i can find out if im knocked up? THANKS."
I just hate the "Oh reaally?" raised eyebrows I get when I ask for the Magnum XLs.
That's why I just unzip and ask the clerk if they have anything that will fit.
I just get those finger cots. They're way cheaper and work like a charm!
"And is that for here or to go?" .... as she licks her lips.
CVS claims its an anti-theft measure, but Walgreens has a national policy of keeping condoms unlocked and not interfering with customer access. I don't buy it for a second that more people target CVS for theft than Walgreens.
Do they have Walgreens in high-theft neighborhoods?
Well, obviously they don't now.
I would be interested to see which companies, Walgreens, CVS or Rite Aid, are more likely to open stores in high risk low income neighborhoods. From my perseptive, which may be flawed, those stores always seem to have a sign that says "CVS" over the door.
I great way to avoid these sorts of criticisms, which has been agressively practiced in the past, is simply to close all of those stores.
/Walgreens: ...This is the best managed company among the three drugstore chains and also among the most admired public companies in the US. Due to its superior financial strength--S&P A+ rating-- and premium irreplaceable locations...
Interesting. Perhaps theft has an overall lower impact on Walgreens' stock value. Perhaps Walgreens can weather the loss from shrinkage better than CVS.
Several points:
1. This is purely an anti-theft measure. If CVS wanted to get on a moral high horse it could simply pull the condoms off the shelf.
2. Some of us on this site are old enough to remember the pre-C. Everett Koop days when EVERY store sold condoms behind the counter. More then once I had to sit through a quick 8th grade hygeine lecture from a kindly old pharmacist before he would retrieve a box for me. If CVS put the condoms behind the counter today, this group would still protest.
3. Its sad but true, but there is a correlation (not causation mind you, but correlation) between the neighborhoods with high crime rates, large numbers of minorities, and high rates of HIV. CVS isn't the cause of this.
4. When it comes to sex, HIV is primarily transmitted between men who have unprotected sex with other men multiple times (or multiple partners) and women who have unprotected sex with these men or men who use IV drugs. These people chose to engage in risky behavior. The probabiliy of a transmission in any one single encounter is actually quite low, so if you are a regular condom user, who just one time doesn't wear one because the local CVS couldn't find the key to the cabinet, your chances of contracting HIV are pretty low. It then follows that these types of single unprotected incidents are not fueling the overall HIV problem in DC.
I find CVS' habit of locking things up a huge pain in the ass. Not just condoms but deodorant and cold medicine too. When your head feels like a balloon, who wants to stand there waiting for a lazy clerk to mosey over and unlock some relief?
But there are plenty of other places to shop. I haven't seen a grocery store that keeps them locked up. I don't think target does either. And unless you are stopping on the way home from picking someone up over drinks, you can always stock up through drugstore.com or amazon.com, embarrassment and hassle free.
I am complaining about the liqueur store on South Cap. that has all the booze and clerks behind plexiglass. It inhibits my booze purchase and is obviously racist.
I support the idea of unlocking the condoms, but claiming CVS is locking them up disproportionately because of race or income is completely ridiculous. If protesters want to have any credibility they should at least bother to do some research. CVS--and walgreens, and most others--lock up condoms and many other items in most neighborhoods in most cities. Chicago. San Francisco. Los Angeles. New York. It has nothing to do with the color of the customers' skin or to do with how much they earn.
There are plenty of other places to buy condoms if CVS' approach bothers someone. Other stores or online. Or go to planned parenthood and ask for them. Or ask at the neighborhood clinic.
I support the use of condoms to reduce the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and in particular, AIDS.
Is it the corporate responsibility of CVS to change their business practices so that condoms are less of a hassle to purchase? Making the connection between products one has to ask for, and that are locked behind a glass case, and the reduction of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, is a bit of a stretch.
The organizations and activists protesting should be handing out condoms at a rate that makes CVS review their business practices to see it those practices allow them to say competitive.
While I understand their anger, I also understand CVS' reason for locking them up. Condoms are increadibly easy to shoplift/steal. The store is not in the business (nor should they be forced to be) of giving out free condoms to all who are too cheap to pay $5 for a box. There are plenty of places in DC where one can go to get FREE condoms...so why is CVS being targeted? It is a store's RIGHT to secure merchandise from theft... Target does not secure theirs, if someone is skiddish, let them go to Target. Don't blame the store for a problem that is not their doing!!! Buying condoms from a store is never going to be a "shame-proof" operation, you have to interact with a clerk at some point. I don't understand why people care so much, if anything, I'd see it a sign of good fortune that someone is coming in to buy condoms for the night ahead ;-)
I don't shop for condoms at CVS (I don't shop-lift condoms at CVS either, in case you were wondering). CVS' prices on condoms are really friggin high compared to other places.
I recall buying condoms which were held behind the counter in some circumstances, and that seems like a reasonable solution until I recall the last time I was in a CVS. They keep an awful lot of things behind the counter as it is. It is like they should consider a merger with Service Merchandise already.
CVS is a business. They have no obligation to provide a public service to DC residents. Until they are bought by the customer, they are owned by CVS, who could put them in a time-lock safe and only sell them one hour a week if they wanted to. If there is really an epidemic, it's incumbent on local leaders and politicians to provide a solution, perhaps by working with local pharmacies or by providing their own supplies. But then logical thought was never the strong suit of people with nothing better to do than stand outside a drug store and picket a bunch of minimum wage earners that probably have nothing to do with the policy they are protesting in the first place.