CVS, the well-known pharmacy chain, has announced that it will close more than 200 pharmacies across the United States as part of a company restructuring to adapt to consumers’ evolving needs. If you’re a CVS customer, here’s where and when the closures will happen so you can be prepared.
Why is CVS closing its pharmacies?
According to the company, the closures are due to multiple factors, including changes in demographics, consumer habits, store concentration in certain areas, access to pharmaceutical services, and the specific health needs of each community.
The company emphasized that this decision is not due to external pressure from the industry, but rather part of a strategic plan to optimize its pharmacy network and ensure that the locations remaining open can serve customers more effectively. CVS also highlighted that, following the restructuring, around 85% of the U.S. population will still have a CVS pharmacy within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of their location.
ALSO READ Burger King launches incredible summer deals! Here’s how to take advantage of them
When will CVS pharmacies close?
No specific date has been given so far, but the closures are expected to take place throughout 2025.
How many pharmacies will CVS close?
The company plans to close 271 stores.
Where will CVS pharmacies close?
CVS has not yet released a list of specific locations, but most closures will occur in states such as:
- Alabama
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Texas
History of CVS Health
CVS Health’s history is a story of growth, innovation, and commitment to community health. It all began in 1963, when the first Consumer Value Store, focused on health and beauty products, opened in Lowell, Massachusetts. A year later, the company adopted the now-familiar name: CVS.
In 1967, pharmacies were added to stores, starting in Cranston, Rhode Island, and in 1969, CVS was acquired by the Melville Corporation. During the 1970s and 1980s, the company expanded significantly, including the 1972 acquisition of 84 Clinton Drug and Discount stores. In 1981, CVS built its Technical Support Center in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and by 1988, its 25th anniversary, it had 750 stores and $1.6 billion in sales.
ALSO READ How to get the best deals during Amazon Prime Day 2025? We’ll tell you
Between 1990 and 2004, CVS acquired several major chains including Peoples Drug, Revco, and Eckerd. In 2005, it launched an in-store beauty advisor program, and in 2006, acquired MinuteClinic and thousands of Sav-On and Osco pharmacies. The following year, the acquisition of Caremark marked the creation of the largest pharmacy benefits manager in the country.
From 2014 to 2015, CVS purchased Coram, Omnicare, Navarro Discount Pharmacy, and Target’s pharmacies and clinics. It also removed tobacco products from its shelves and launched “Be The First,” a $50 million initiative to help create the first tobacco-free generation.
In 2017, CVS and Aetna announced a merger, finalized in 2018, which transformed the healthcare consumer experience. In 2020, the company committed to investing $600 million to fight racial inequality and played a key role in the COVID-19 response, leading efforts in testing and vaccinations.
In 2021, Karen Lynch became President and CEO. Finally, in 2023, CVS completed the acquisitions of Signify Health and Oak Street Health, strengthening its focus on primary care and home health, and reaffirming its mission to transform healthcare in the United States.
