CVS Health expands stores and pharmacy-only locations

CVS Health expands stores and pharmacy-only locations The company is opening small, dedicated neighborhood pharmacies as well as expanding the number of stores.

Strategic Planning By Susan Morse , Executive Editor | March 31, 2026 | 11:20 AM Photo: Courtesy CVS Health CVS Health not only is expanding its number of stores nationwide, but it has announced the opening of the first pharmacy-only location in Chicago's West End.CVS is planning on opening an estimated 20 small, dedicated apothecary-style pharmacies in 2026 in select locations such as in Houston; Roxbury, Mass.; Detroit; and Brooklyn, New York. The neighborhood pharmacies of an estimated 3,000 square feet will offer access to medications, immunizations and other healthcare services provided by pharmacists, CVS said. Each site will feature a full-service pharmacy with a customized selection of over-the-counter products available for purchase. The smaller pharmacies address shifts in the pharmacy industry, CVS said. They join several other formats already in place across the country, including those inside Target and Schnucks grocery stores, and in MinuteClinic retail medical clinics and CVS Pharmacies next to Oak Street Health care centers, primarily in neighborhoods with high Medicaid populations. A 2025 CVS Health Rx Report showed that 80% of patients prefer face-to-face pharmacy care, and nearly half (48%) would switch pharmacies if limited to digital-only options. The overwhelming majority of pharmacy professionals (97%) also say in-person interactions remain vital. "Pharmacists are among the most accessible and most trusted healthcare providers," said Len Shankman, executive vice president and president of Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness at CVS Health. "We know how important it is for patients to be able to speak one-on-one with their pharmacist, have their questions answered and seek medication advice when needed."CVS opened its first pharmacy-only location in Birmingham, Alabama, late last year. The company also said it plans to open more than 40 new CVS Pharmacy locations, including traditional stores and pharmacies in Target.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that CVS Health plans to open about 60 stores in 2026, growing its footprint for the first time after years of contraction. The openings will include traditional stores, locations within Target stores and pharmacy-only sites, the report said.CVS announced plans in 2021 to reduce its store density and close about 270 locations in 2025, the WSJ report said. This followed about 800 closures over the prior three years.Email the writer: [email protected] Topic: Accounting & Financial Management, Pharmacy, Strategic Planning