Like drugstore.com, but for general merchandise

October 10, 2009 5:27 PM

Looking for an online store where I can buy general merchandise that I'd find in the non-drugstore sections of a CVS or Walgreens: batteries, rubber bands, office supplies, clothes hangers, laundry supplies, and so on.

I buy most of my health & personal care stuff (like shampoo, toothpaste, razor blades, dental floss) at drugstore.com, but I still find myself having to go to CVS/Walgreen's/Office Depot to buy items like those listed above. Most of these items are available on Amazon, but usually they are shipped from different retailers, so I have to pay shipping for each individual item. Can anyone recommend a good online general merchandise retailer?

posted by lunchbox to shopping (7 comments total)

Try Target.com
They have most of that.
posted by SLC Mom at 5:31 PM on October 10

Drugstore.com actually *has* some of that stuff. Batteries, pens, pencils, envelopes, laundry stuff, at least. They don't seem to have rubber bands or clothes hangers, though, and I'm not sure where one might go online for them.
posted by larkspur at 5:36 PM on October 10

Most of these items are available on Amazon, but usually they are shipped from different retailers, so I have to pay shipping for each individual item.

Sign up for Amazon Prime, then filter results by "Amazon Prime eligible." Batteries, rubber bands, etc., with no shipping charges.
posted by Jaltcoh at 5:45 PM on October 10 [1 favorite]

Well Walgreens and CVS both have online stores, and a cursory search shows that both sell rubber bands and similar office supplies. Amazon has also gotten a lot better at selling office supply items themselves, rather than through various retailers. I see a number of Prime-eligible boxes of rubber bands, laundry detergent, and the like, so do poke around.
posted by zachlipton at 5:49 PM on October 10

Amazon prime. Often offers a free 30 day trial, even.
posted by mazienh at 6:49 PM on October 10

Amazon. I agree with the others who have posted that Amazon has been improving their own inventory. I've been an Amazon Prime member ever since it started and it's paid for itself many times over.

SLC Mom mentioned Target.com - they do a good job, too.
posted by Gerard Sorme at 7:02 PM on October 10

Alice.com has some of the items you're looking for. They may even be able to replace your need for drugstore.com as well. They give free shipping if you order 6 or more items at the same time. They'll even ship you large household goods like paper towels.
posted by mrsshotglass at 11:06 AM on October 11