CVS to Launch Smaller Pharmacy-Only Stores Nationwide

The company plans to open a dozen smaller-format locations in 2025, focusing solely on pharmacy services as it restructures to address financial challenges.

CVS will open approximately 12 new pharmacy-only stores this year, each under 5,000 square feet, about half the size of traditional CVS locations.
These smaller stores will focus exclusively on pharmacy services, including medications, immunizations, and limited over-the-counter products, removing traditional retail sections like snacks and cosmetics.
The move is part of CVS's broader restructuring efforts, which have included closing over 1,000 stores since 2021 and laying off thousands of employees to cut costs and address declining front-store sales.
CVS aims to realign its footprint to better meet the specific healthcare needs of communities, citing that 85% of Americans live within 10 miles of a CVS pharmacy.
The shift reflects growing competition from online retailers like Amazon and other chains, as well as challenges such as shoplifting and changing consumer behaviors.