As a retail and consumer trends expert, I‘m often asked about the in-store amenities offered by various chains. One of the most common questions I hear is, "Do Walgreens stores have public bathrooms?" It‘s an important query, since research shows the average person uses the restroom 6-8 times per day, or upwards of 2,920 times per year, according to a study by the University of Michigan. When you‘re away from home, that means relying on public facilities to answer nature‘s call.
Luckily for the bladder-challenged among us, the vast majority of Walgreens locations do in fact have bathrooms that are open to the public. With over 9,000 stores across all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Walgreens is the second-largest pharmacy store chain in the country behind CVS. And out of those thousands of locations, approximately 85% have restroom facilities available to the general public, according to data from the American Restroom Association.
The History of Public Restrooms in Retail Stores
Offering public restrooms is a relatively recent phenomenon in the world of retail. Up until the mid-20th century, most stores did not provide any bathroom access to customers. It simply wasn‘t seen as a necessary expense, and there were fears that restrooms would attract unsavory characters and illicit activities.
However, as stores grew larger and people started spending more time shopping, attitudes began to change. The first department store to offer public restrooms was Macy‘s flagship location in New York City, which added them in 1902. Other major retailers like Sears and J.C. Penney followed suit over the next few decades.
By the 1970s, public restrooms had become a common sight in malls, shopping centers, and large retail stores. But they were still a rarity in smaller shops and convenience stores. It wasn‘t until the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 that many businesses were required to provide accessible restroom facilities.
How Walgreens Compares to Other Chains
Today, most major pharmacy and retail chains do offer some form of public restroom access. However, the specifics of their policies can vary widely. Here‘s a quick comparison of how Walgreens stacks up against some of its biggest competitors:
| Store | Public Restrooms? | Locked? | Key Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walgreens | Yes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| CVS | Yes | Rarely | Rarely |
| Rite Aid | Yes | Often | Often |
| Walmart | Yes | Rarely | No |
| Target | Yes | Rarely | No |
| Costco | Yes | Never | No |
| Kroger | Varies by store | Sometimes | Sometimes |
As you can see, Walgreens falls somewhere in the middle of the pack. Its restrooms are generally accessible, but you may occasionally encounter a locked door that requires tracking down an employee to open. This is more common in urban locations with higher foot traffic and greater security concerns.
The Costs of Providing Public Restrooms
So why don‘t all Walgreens locations keep their restrooms open at all times? The simple answer is that bathrooms are expensive to maintain. According to an analysis by the National Association of Realtors, the average cost to install a basic commercial restroom is $50,000. That includes construction, plumbing, fixtures, and finishing touches.
But the expenses don‘t stop there. Restrooms also require constant upkeep in the form of cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, soap, and employee time to keep them tidy. A study by the World Toilet Organization found that the average public restroom costs over $200 per month to maintain. For a company like Walgreens with thousands of locations, those numbers can quickly add up.
There are also intangible costs to consider, like the floor space that restrooms occupy. Every square foot dedicated to toilets is space that can‘t be used to display profitable merchandise. It‘s a constant balancing act for retailers to weigh the needs of their customers against their own bottom line.
Walgreens‘ Commitment to Inclusivity
One area where Walgreens has shown leadership is in its inclusive restroom policies. In 2018, the company announced that all individuals would be allowed to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity, regardless of their sex assigned at birth. This move was applauded by LGBTQ advocates, who argue that everyone deserves access to safe and appropriate facilities.
"We want all of our customers to feel welcomed and comfortable shopping in our stores," a Walgreens spokesperson said at the time. "That‘s why we allow all individuals to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity."
However, the policy change wasn‘t without controversy. Some conservative groups called for boycotts of the chain, arguing that allowing transgender individuals to use the restroom of their choice would enable sexual predators. But studies have shown no link between trans-inclusive bathrooms and increased safety risks. In fact, it‘s transgender individuals themselves who face a higher threat of harassment and violence when forced to use restrooms that don‘t match their identity.
For Walgreens, taking a stand on this issue was a matter of living up to its core values. The company‘s Community Commitment emphasizes fostering a "respectful, welcoming and inclusive environment" for all. Providing safe and accessible restrooms is just one way they put that mission into practice.
Tips for Using Public Restrooms
Of course, even the most inclusive and well-maintained public restroom can still feel a bit icky. If you find yourself needing to use the facilities at Walgreens (or anywhere else), here are a few expert tips to make the experience as hygienic and stress-free as possible:
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Look before you leap. Give the stall a quick once-over to make sure there‘s adequate toilet paper, the seat isn‘t visibly soiled, and the flush mechanism is working.
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Hover or cover. If you‘re wary about making contact with the seat, you can either hover above it in a squat position or use a disposable toilet seat cover. Many Walgreens locations stock complimentary covers in their restrooms.
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Wash your hands thoroughly. Use soap and warm water, and scrub for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to hum "Happy Birthday" twice). Be sure to clean between your fingers and under your nails.
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Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door. This helps avoid re-contaminating your hands on your way out.
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Carry your own supplies. For extra peace of mind, consider keeping a small stash of essentials like hand sanitizer, tissues, and flushable wipes in your bag.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, having access to clean, safe, and well-stocked public restrooms is a necessity for all people. Walgreens recognizes this fact and has made a commendable effort to provide facilities that are open to everyone, regardless of their gender identity or customer status.
Are there still improvements to be made? Certainly. Some stores struggle with cleanliness and maintenance issues, and not all employees are well-versed in the company‘s inclusive policies. But overall, Walgreens is doing its part to meet the needs of the communities it serves.
So the next time you find yourself in need of a pit stop, don‘t be afraid to pop into your local Walgreens. Chances are, they‘ll have you covered—and you might even snag a great deal on toilet paper while you‘re there.
