CVS Health has opened the first of nearly 20 pharmacy-only locations planned for 2026, marking the start of a new, smaller-format store strategy focused on healthcare access.
The first “apothecary-style” CVS Pharmacy site is located in Chicago’s West End neighbourhood and is designed to provide easier access to prescriptions, immunisations and pharmacist-led care.
The new format significantly reduces store size, with locations averaging around 3,000 square feet. Each site features a full-service pharmacy alongside a curated range of over-the-counter products, prioritising healthcare services over traditional retail.
CVS plans to expand the concept to additional communities this year, including Houston, Detroit, Brooklyn and Roxbury. The company also intends to open more than 40 new pharmacy locations in 2026, including sites within Target stores.
The move builds on an initial pilot, with CVS having opened its first pharmacy-only location in Birmingham late last year.
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The rollout reflects CVS’s ongoing effort to realign its retail footprint around healthcare delivery, shifting away from larger, front-of-store retail formats toward more service-driven locations.
Len Shankman, president of pharmacy and consumer wellness at CVS Health, said the concept is designed to strengthen relationships between pharmacists and local communities, while improving access to essential care.
The company said the smaller stores will help address gaps in healthcare access by offering more direct, localised support, with pharmacists positioned as a primary point of contact for patients.
CVS has been reshaping its store network in recent years to better align with changing consumer behaviour and demand for healthcare services.
Alongside its retail operations, the company continues to expand its clinical footprint and digital capabilities.
As of the end of 2025, CVS Health operated roughly 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, including more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care clinics, underscoring its scale as it pivots toward a more integrated healthcare model.
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