New Duane Reade Near Campus

City College students can now shop somewhere newby Stefany Castrillon.A Duane Reade store will open two blocks away from the campus, on the northeast corner of 135th and Broadway, in front of the downtown 1 train station. The pharmacy will include a variety of departments, such as dental, cleaning, food, and pharmaceutical. It is seen as both a welcome addition to the community—and a growing problem for smaller businesses.According to one of the drugstore’s staff members, the store was set to open the first week of April. "We were supposed to open today, but that's not happening, but definitely sometime this week," said the worker. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 7:00am and 10:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00am to 10:00pm.With no nearby pharmacies, some CCNY students are thrilled. "It's convenient, especially because the CCNY bookstore is so expensive," said Vianela Tapia, 26, a junior majoring in childhood bilingual education. "I think it's such a great Idea. I can buy stuff on my way to school and on my way home," said Karelin Guzman, 30, also majoring in bilingual education.Other CCNY students don't find it too beneficial for the community. "These pharmacies are hurting small businesses," said Carlos Febres-Cordero, a sophomore majoring in Spanish Literature and Linguistics," and ultimately the community as a whole."There are approximately 10 Duane Reade stores located throughout the Upper West Side, with five in or near Harlem. The pharmaceutical company began as a single drugstore in 1960 located on Broadway between Duane and Reade streets. According to their website, they are considered the fastest growing industry and the top pharmacy in sales per square foot. Today the company has more than 253 stores throughout New York City.