CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) planning to open a dozen mini-stores that only provide full-service pharmacies with a limited retail component.
The Wall Street Journal reports the new stores will be on average less than 5,000 square feet, or less than half the size of the average CVS outlet. The new stores are expected to open in 2026 across the country, although locations will not be announced until later this year.
“This work is really focused on introducing or adding pharmacy access in communities that are lacking,” said Amy Thibault, a spokeswoman for CVS.
The retail offerings in the new smaller stores will be health-related, including over-the-counter medications and first-aid products. Other retail items that have been staples of CVS stores, such as greeting cards and beauty products, will not be stocked.
CVS is planning to close 270 locations this year after 800 net closures during the past three years. However, the chain plans to open about 30 of its traditional stores this year, including new pharmacies within the Target retail chain.
Photo by Mike Mozart / Flickr Creative Commons
