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How to Visit the Walgreens at Victory and Fulton in Van Nuys
Located at 13231 Victory Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91401 , this branch serves the Valley Glen community. The store is open daily until 10:00 PM, but the pharmacy has more restricted hours, typically closing at 6:00 PM and remaining closed on Sundays. For immediate assistance, call 818-623-9358 .
Navigating retail pharmacy services in the San Fernando Valley can be challenging, especially when dealing with fluctuating hours and staffing changes. The Walgreens at the intersection of Victory Boulevard and Fulton Avenue stands out as a top choice for residents in Van Nuys and Valley Glen, offering a wide range of retail goods and essential health services. However, visitors often encounter confusion regarding the discrepancy between store hours and pharmacy counter availability.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of what to expect when visiting this specific location, from navigating the parking lot to ensuring you are calling the correct state. By understanding the operational nuances of Store #7826, you can save time and avoid the frustration of arriving at a closed pharmacy counter.
Understanding the Current Hours for the Store and Pharmacy
One of the most critical aspects of visiting the Walgreens at Victory and Fulton is recognizing that the retail store and the pharmacy department operate on different schedules. While the front-end retail section—where you can purchase snacks, cosmetics, and household items—stays open late into the evening, the pharmacy counter follows a much stricter timeline.
According to the official Walgreens store locator , the retail store is generally open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. This provides ample time for photo printing or picking up last-minute essentials. However, the pharmacy typically opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the pharmacy department is closed entirely, even though the retail store remains open.
Weekly Schedule Breakdown
| Day of the Week | Retail Store Hours | Pharmacy Hours | Pharmacy Meal Break |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM | CLOSED | N/A |
It is important to note the daily meal break. The pharmacy staff takes a mandatory break from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM every day. During this window, the pharmacy counter and drive-thru window are completely unstaffed, and no prescriptions can be dispensed. Planning your visit to avoid this 30-minute window is highly recommended to ensure a smooth experience.
Why the Website Might List the Pharmacy as Closed During Normal Hours
A common source of frustration for Van Nuys residents is checking the Walgreens website or app only to see a "Currently Closed" status for the pharmacy during what should be operational hours. This troubleshooting section addresses the "Pharmacy Closed" anomaly that frequently affects this branch.
In recent months, many retail pharmacies across California have faced staffing shortages. When a licensed pharmacist is not present on-site, the pharmacy counter cannot legally operate, even if the rest of the store is open. This leads to temporary, unannounced closures that may not be reflected in the permanent hours listed on third-party directories. Reports from users on platforms like Yelp suggest that these closures can happen with little notice.
- Check the Walgreens App: Look for real-time "Ready for Pickup" notifications. If the app says the pharmacy is closed, it likely is, regardless of the posted hours.
- Call the Direct Line: Dial 818-623-9358 and select the option to speak with a pharmacy staff member. If no one answers during business hours, they may be experiencing a temporary closure.
- Verify the Date: Remember that the pharmacy is closed every Sunday.
If you arrive and find the pharmacy closed, the retail staff can often provide information on when the pharmacist is expected to return. However, they cannot access your prescription records or dispense medication themselves due to strict legal regulations.
Navigating the Drive-Thru and Parking Lot at Victory and Fulton
The physical layout of the Walgreens at 13231 Victory Blvd is designed to accommodate high traffic, but the intersection of Victory and Fulton is one of the busier points in Van Nuys. Understanding the best way to enter and exit the lot can significantly reduce your stress levels during rush hour.
The parking lot is situated on the northeast corner of the intersection. It is widely considered one of the more spacious lots for a retail pharmacy in the area, offering plentiful spots near the main entrance. However, the way you enter the lot depends on your direction of travel:
- Entering from Victory Blvd (Eastbound)
- This is the most direct route if you are coming from central Van Nuys. Be cautious of traffic backing up from the Fulton light, as the entrance is quite close to the intersection.
- Entering from Fulton Ave (Northbound)
- This is often a top choice for those looking to avoid the main intersection congestion. Entering from Fulton allows you to bypass the left-turn lane on Victory, which can be notoriously slow during the afternoon commute.
Image source: Yelp
Using the Pharmacy Drive-Thru
For those who prefer not to leave their vehicle, this location offers a drive-up window. The drive-thru lane is located on the side of the building, typically accessed by circling around the rear of the parking lot. This service is exceptionally strong for parents with young children or individuals with mobility challenges. Keep in mind that the drive-thru follows the same 6:00 PM closing time and 1:30 PM meal break as the indoor counter.
How to Avoid the Common Wichita Kansas Search Confusion
A unique pitfall when searching for "Walgreens Victory Fulton" is the algorithmic noise created by a similarly named intersection in Wichita, Kansas. Because both cities have prominent streets with these names, search engines occasionally serve results for the Kansas location to California users.
This is a significant regional difference that can lead to serious complications. If you accidentally call the Wichita location to refill a prescription, you may face delays in transferring that prescription back to the Van Nuys branch. According to data from RxLess , the Van Nuys location is identified by NPI number 1518974518, which is unique to the California branch.
The Van Nuys, CA location uses the 818 area code. The Wichita, KS location uses 316 . Always verify this before confirming a refill over the phone.
Ensure your app or GPS is set to 91401 . If you see a zip code starting with 672, you are looking at the Kansas location.
The Victory and Fulton store in Van Nuys is Store #7826 . Referencing this number when speaking with corporate support can prevent errors.
Specialized Pharmacy Services and Savings Programs Available at This Location
Beyond standard prescription fills, the Walgreens at 13231 Victory Blvd offers several specialized services that make it a strong contender for your primary pharmacy. These services range from financial assistance programs to health screenings.
The 340B Drug Pricing Program
This location is a participating 340B pharmacy. The 340B program is a federal initiative that requires drug manufacturers to provide outpatient drugs to eligible healthcare organizations at significantly reduced prices. If you receive care from a qualifying local clinic or provider, you may be eligible for substantial discounts on your medications at this specific Walgreens. This is a vital resource for uninsured or underinsured residents in the Van Nuys area.
Immunizations and Health Screenings
The pharmacy provides a variety of vaccinations, including Flu, COVID-19, Shingles, and Pneumonia shots. According to WellRx , this location also offers health screenings and consultations. During peak seasons, Walgreens often provides incentives, such as $15 in Walgreens Cash rewards, for eligible vaccinations completed in-store.
Pet Medications and Durable Medical Equipment
Many people are unaware that this Walgreens can fill prescriptions for domestic animals. If your veterinarian provides a written prescription, you can often fill it here, sometimes at a lower cost than at a specialized vet clinic. Additionally, the store stocks durable medical equipment (DME) such as walkers, canes, and bathroom safety aids, which can be purchased or ordered through the pharmacy department.
Finding the Best Alternatives if the Pharmacy Is Currently Closed
If you find that the pharmacy at Victory and Fulton is closed due to staffing issues or because it is Sunday, there are several reliable alternatives within a short driving distance. Having a "Plan B" is essential for urgent medication needs.
| Pharmacy Name | Distance from Victory/Fulton | Key Advantage | Drive-Thru? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy (13021 Victory Blvd) | 0.3 Miles East | Closest proximity; often open later. | Yes |
| Walgreens (5224 Coldwater Canyon) | 1.2 Miles South | Consistent staffing; different shift hours. | Yes |
| Rite Aid (Various Locations) | ~2.0 Miles | Alternative insurance network options. | Varies |
The CVS Pharmacy located just down the street at 13021 Victory Blvd is the most convenient alternative. Because it is so close, it is often the first place retail staff will direct you if the Walgreens pharmacy counter is unavailable. However, always check if your insurance is in-network for CVS before transferring a prescription.
Using the 30-Minute Pickup and 1-Hour Delivery Services
In the modern retail landscape, convenience is a high priority. The Van Nuys Walgreens offers robust digital services that allow you to shop without spending time in the aisles. These services are particularly useful for those who live in the high-density apartments surrounding Victory Boulevard.
30-Minute Pickup: You can place an order for retail items through the Walgreens website or app and have it ready for curbside or in-store pickup in as little as 30 minutes. This is an excellent choice for picking up household essentials while waiting for a prescription to be filled.
1-Hour Delivery: For those who cannot leave their home, the store offers 1-hour delivery on retail goods. It is important to clarify that while retail items (snacks, OTC meds, cleaning supplies) are eligible for fast delivery via third-party partners like DoorDash or UberEats, prescription delivery often follows a different set of rules. Controlled substances and certain refrigerated medications may not be eligible for same-day delivery and may require a signature upon arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Walgreens on Victory and Fulton open 24 hours?
No, this location is not a 24-hour store. The retail portion of the store typically closes at 10:00 PM daily. The pharmacy department has even more limited hours, usually closing at 6:00 PM and remaining closed on Sundays. If you need a 24-hour pharmacy, you may need to look toward larger hospital-affiliated pharmacies or specific 24-hour Walgreens locations in the wider Los Angeles area.
What time does the pharmacy take a lunch break?
The pharmacy staff at the Victory and Fulton location takes a daily meal break from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM. During this time, all pharmacy services, including the drive-thru window, are suspended. It is highly recommended to plan your arrival either before 1:15 PM or after 2:15 PM to ensure the staff has time to process your request before or after their break.
Can I get a COVID-19 or Flu shot at this location?
Yes, the Van Nuys Walgreens at 13231 Victory Blvd offers a variety of immunizations, including COVID-19 boosters and annual flu shots. While walk-ins are sometimes accepted, it is widely regarded as a better practice to schedule an appointment through the Walgreens app or website to ensure the specific vaccine is in stock and a pharmacist is available to administer it.
Does this Walgreens have a drive-thru pharmacy?
Yes, this location features a dedicated drive-thru window for pharmacy services. This allows you to pick up prescriptions and certain over-the-counter items without leaving your car. The drive-thru is located on the side of the building and follows the same operating hours as the indoor pharmacy counter, including the 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM daily lunch break.
Why is the pharmacy closed on Sundays?
The Sunday closure is a standard operating procedure for this specific branch (#7826). While many Walgreens locations in high-traffic areas remain open on Sundays, staffing levels and local demand at the Victory and Fulton branch have resulted in a six-day pharmacy schedule. The retail store remains open on Sundays for all non-prescription needs.
The Bottom Line for Visitors
Visiting the Walgreens at Victory and Fulton in Van Nuys is most efficient when you plan around the pharmacy's specific constraints. To ensure a successful visit, keep these key takeaways in mind:
- Verify the location by checking for the 818 area code to avoid calling the Wichita, Kansas store.
- Time your visit to avoid the 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM daily pharmacy meal break.
- Confirm pharmacy status via the Walgreens app before driving, as staffing shortages can cause temporary closures.
- Use the Fulton Ave entrance if you are traveling northbound to avoid heavy traffic at the main intersection.
- Inquire about 340B pricing if you are eligible, as this location participates in that significant savings program.
- Have a backup plan like the nearby CVS on Victory Blvd for Sunday emergencies or late-evening needs.
For the most up-to-date information on prescription readiness, always use the official Walgreens mobile app before heading to the store.
