Duane Reade

Founded in 1960 by brothers Abraham, Eli and Jack Cohen, Duane Reade is the quintessential New York City drugstore chain known for being as omnipresent as the city’s bagel shops. Named after its first location between Duane and Reade Streets, it swiftly expanded to every other corner of Manhattan. Notorious for its never-ending sales on everything from Advil to overpriced gummy bears, Duane Reade's defining moment came in 2010 when Walgreens, in a $1.1 billion move, decided it wanted in on the Big Apple’s peculiar pharmacy market. Current valuation hovers around $8 billion, making it a giant in the retail pharmacy world. Under Walgreens' umbrella, the chain continues to lure in hurried New Yorkers with promises of 24/7 convenience. Yet, it’s not all high-fives and receipts as long as your arm. The company has faced numerous scandals, including price gouging during natural disasters and labor disputes that could fill a prescription bottle. Joe Maier, VP of Pharmacy and Retail Operations, steers this ship through the choppy waters of consumer complaints and regulatory fines. Despite its controversies, Duane Reade remains an indispensable, if not begrudgingly beloved, part of New York’s urban jungle—because where else would you buy Band-Aids at 3 AM?