The retail pharmacy landscape is shifting, and the latest news about CVS stores closing has caught the attention of communities across the United States. In February 2025, CVS Health announced plans to shutter 270 additional stores this year, part of a broader strategy to streamline its operations and adapt to changing consumer needs. This follows the closure of approximately 900 locations between 2022 and 2024, signaling a significant restructuring for the pharmacy giant. While CVS emphasizes that these closures are not driven by industry pressures but by strategic realignment, the decision raises questions about access to healthcare services and what the future holds for the company’s retail footprint.
Why Are CVS Stores Closing?
CVS’s decision to close 270 stores in 2025 stems from a multi-year initiative launched in November 2021 to optimize its retail presence. The company evaluates factors like population shifts, consumer buying patterns, store density, and community health needs to determine which locations to shutter. The goal is to ensure CVS has the right number of stores in the right places, avoiding overlap in areas with multiple locations or low foot traffic. For instance, urban areas with several CVS pharmacies nearby may see one close to boost efficiency at remaining stores. Despite these closures, CVS assures customers that 85% of Americans will still live within 10 miles of one of its pharmacies.
The pharmacy chain is also responding to broader trends. Shoppers are increasingly turning to online platforms like Amazon Pharmacy for prescriptions, and retail theft has impacted profitability at some locations. Additionally, lower reimbursement rates for prescription drugs and the high costs of long-term leases from past expansions have pushed CVS to rethink its strategy. The company aims to focus on healthcare services, such as MinuteClinics and HealthHUBs, which offer enhanced medical care within stores.
Which Locations Are Affected?
Unfortunately, CVS has not released a comprehensive list of the 270 stores slated for closure in 2025, leaving many customers uncertain about their local pharmacy’s fate. Some reports, based on local news and social media, have identified 34 locations that have either closed or are scheduled to close this year, including stores in Washington, D.C., and other regions. For example, a new Arkansas law signed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, which prevents Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning pharmacies, has prompted CVS to close all 23 of its Arkansas locations rather than comply. This move highlights how local regulations can influence CVS stores closing decisions.
Here’s a quick look at what we know about the closures:
- Number of Closures: 270 stores planned for 2025, following 900 closures from 2022–2024.
- Known Affected Areas: Washington, D.C., and all 23 CVS locations in Arkansas.
- Reasons for Selection: Low foot traffic, overlapping store locations, or regulatory challenges.
Without an official list, customers must check with their local CVS or visit the company’s website for updates on specific store statuses.
The Bigger Picture: CVS’s Strategic Shift
The wave of CVS stores closing is part of a larger transformation. While closing underperforming locations, CVS is simultaneously opening 30 new stores in 2025, including smaller, pharmacy-focused formats averaging less than 5,000 square feet. These new stores prioritize prescriptions and limited over-the-counter items, moving away from the traditional retail-heavy model with toys and snacks. Some will be located inside Target stores, enhancing accessibility in high-demand areas. This shift reflects CVS’s pivot toward healthcare, integrating services like primary care and its Aetna insurance subsidiary to create a more health-focused experience.
The closures also come amid challenges in the pharmacy industry. Competitors like Walgreens, planning to close 1,200 stores over three years, and Rite Aid, which filed for bankruptcy, face similar pressures. Rising operational costs, declining prescription drug profits, and competition from online retailers are reshaping how pharmacies operate. CVS’s strategy includes investing in digital platforms and expanding HealthHUBs to meet evolving consumer expectations.
What Does This Mean for Customers?
For many, the news of CVS stores closing raises concerns about access to prescriptions and healthcare services, especially in underserved areas. CVS has promised to transfer prescriptions to nearby locations to minimize disruption, but this may pose challenges for those relying on public transportation or living in rural regions. The company’s focus on maintaining pharmacy access within 10 miles for most Americans aims to address these concerns, but the loss of a local store can still feel personal.
Employees at closing stores will be offered comparable roles at other locations, though the transition may not be seamless for everyone. Customers are encouraged to explore alternatives, such as online pharmacies or independent local drugstores, to ensure they get the best value for their prescriptions.
A Changing Retail Landscape
The closure of 270 CVS stores in 2025 marks a pivotal moment for the pharmacy chain as it navigates a rapidly changing retail and healthcare environment. By focusing on efficiency, healthcare services, and smaller store formats, CVS is adapting to a world where convenience and cost matter more than ever. While the lack of a public closure list leaves some uncertainty, the company’s commitment to maintaining widespread pharmacy access offers reassurance. As CVS redefines its role, customers and communities will need to stay informed and adaptable.
Worried about your local CVS closing? Visit the CVS website or contact customer service to check your store’s status and ensure your prescriptions are secure. Stay ahead of the changes!