Are "Drug Store Pipes" really Available at Drug Stores?

[mikethompson]

Title edited- jpm

This might be the dumb question of the day, but I read from some American members about 'drug store pipes' or 'drug store brand's, are these only available at drug stores?

For instance I am looking for a cheap Grabow, but can't find them online. Are they really only sold in blister packs at a store?

 

[ray47]

The local Walgreens where I live do sell Dr. Grabow pipes as well as an assortment of OTC tobacco blends.

 

[WVOldFart]

Most drug stores in my area don't sell pipes or tobacco anymore because it is opposed to supplying products that are bad for your health. Man, how times have changed.

 

[wordheavy]

Years ago they could be found at most drug stores in California. I very rarely see them now. I am in California though, so take it for what you know.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Used to be. Dr Grabow and Medico if memory serves me correct. Also OTC tubs and pouches.

 

[anantaandroscoggin]

You can get Dr Grabows directly from the factory, but they are not set up to accept anything but paper Checks, or money-orders. And, at a discount off the suggested retail prices.

 

[kschatey]

This might be the dumb question of the day, but I read from some American members about 'drug store pipes' or 'drug store brand's, are these only available at drug stores?

For instance I am looking for a cheap Grabow, but can't find them online. Are they really only sold in blister packs at a store?

Not anymore.

 

[mso489]

They do ... and they don't. My nearest Walgreens carries cigarettes behind the check-out, but no visible pipes or pipe tobacco. However, as you are waiting in line for the check out, if you are tall enough, and if you stand near the candy rack and prop up on your toes, and look at the shelf behind the candy rack down at floor level, there is a stack of three bubble wrapped Dr. Grabow pipes and two bubble wrapped MM cobs, and a short row of some kind of generic pipe tobacco in light brown pouches with small print on the fronts. I think the Dr. Grabows are priced at about $37 and the cobs at $14. Not as easy to buy as condoms or pregnancy tests, but they are there.

 

[Inspired Idler]

P&C carries some Grabows. Dr. Grabow - Pipes and Cigars - https://www.pipesandcigars.com/shop/dr-grabow-brand/1701549/?shop=Pipes

 

[hawky454]

Yes my Walgreens also carries Grabow Pipes, very small selection behind the counter. CVS used to have the best selections of pipes and tobacco for a drugstore but that was way before they stopped selling all tobacco products. I don’t shop at CVS anymore.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Last time I was at a drug store in a more rural area here, I remember seeing blister packs with Grabows hanging between the lighters and cheap electronic stuff. I am not out that way often, but I will now be keeping an eye out. This wasn't but maybe a few years ago. They have to be sold somewhere, and I have never been in a real pipe shop that had Grabows. So, I am not sure where else would have them.

Maybe those RYO shops have them, but I'm not sure. I don't usually go into those either.


Ahhh, I just googled "where to buy a Dr Grabow Pipe," and it pinged Walmart in Calera, and Walgreens in Calera and Columbiana, which are more rural areas here, but close by me.

 

[kcghost]

I also cut CVS out of my shopping plans when they announced they wouldn't sell tobacco anymore even tho' I didn't buy any tobacco there. I go to Walgreen's maybe every month for prescription refills and usually buy some other things there. I've never looked for pipes and such there. Maybe I'll try MSO method.

 

[pappymac]

Most drug stores in my area don't sell pipes or tobacco anymore because it is opposed to supplying products that are bad for your health. Man, how times have changed.

Except they sell soft drinks, candy, chips & food high in sodium, condoms and, at least here in Louisiana, beer, wine and alcohol.

 

[Ahi Ka]

Is a drug store like a chemist? Or like a small corner shop?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Is a drug store like a chemist? Or like a small corner shop?

My neck of the woods, there's a pharmacist in very corner store... and sometimes the ones in between.

 

[Ahi Ka]

My neck of the woods, there's a pharmacist in very corner store... and sometimes the ones in between.

Ok now I’m even more confused. Lol. Our corner stores are called dairys, and basically the only medical supplies you can purchase are cask wine, Panadol and bandaids. But I did just discover they sell zippo fluid

 

[cosmicfolklore]

My town we have two general practitioners, 16 specialist, and about a dozen drug stores, and there’s always a line.
The only other stores are firearms, jewelers, hobby shops, one grocery store and a Walmart. Guess which one has the largest parking lot?

 

[Ahi Ka]

That wouldn’t be a hobby shop for pipers would it?

 

[peregrinus]

Is a drug store like a chemist? Or like a small corner shop?

A History of Drug Stores

 

[mikethompson]

A drug store is usually a small corner store with a pharmacy in it.

Guess which one has the largest parking lot?

Firearms! But I'm Canadian so I'm only going by the stereotype.