CVS stores closing across the U.S. has become a growing reality again in 2025. CVS Health recently announced it will shut down an additional 270 locations as part of a larger, multi-year effort to reshape its retail presence and focus more on healthcare services. This move comes amid a changing consumer landscape and follows several rounds of store closures in recent years.
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Why Are CVS Stores Closing?
The reason behind these CVS stores closing stems from a strategic shift in how the company plans to serve customers. CVS Health has been moving away from large-format retail stores to focus more on healthcare-focused locations, such as smaller HealthHUBs and primary care clinics.
The company has stated that consumer habits are evolving. More people are relying on digital services, and in-person visits to traditional retail pharmacies are declining. To keep up with this transformation, CVS is realigning its resources and presence to stay efficient, competitive, and profitable.
Key Highlights of the 2025 CVS Closures:
- Total closures planned: 270 stores
- States affected: New York, California, Alabama, Washington D.C., and others
- Focus areas: Shrinking retail space, expanding healthcare offerings
- Previous closures: Approximately 900 stores closed between 2022–2024
Locations Most Impacted
While CVS hasn’t released a complete list of affected addresses for 2025, several states have already seen confirmed store closures. Areas in dense urban markets and regions with overlapping CVS locations are being targeted the most.
Example of Recently Impacted Locations:
- North Tonawanda, NY
- Lexington Ave, New York City
- Haight Street, San Francisco, CA
- Clairmont Ave, Birmingham, AL
- 10th Street, Washington D.C.
These closures are often based on local performance, customer demand, and proximity to other CVS or competitor stores.
CVS’s New Direction: Smaller Stores and More Health Services
As more CVS stores are closing, the company is opening a different type of location. Smaller-format stores—many under 5,000 square feet—are being launched to focus strictly on healthcare services like prescriptions, wellness products, vaccinations, and urgent care.
This pivot supports CVS’s mission to become a healthcare destination rather than a general retailer. Grocery and seasonal items are being cut back, while health-focused inventory is expanding.
What These New Stores Focus On:
- Primary care services
- Chronic disease management
- Virtual health consultations
- Pharmacy-only services
- Wellness screenings and vaccinations
By doing so, CVS aims to simplify access to essential health services while adapting to how modern consumers shop and receive care.
CVS Stores Closing in Arkansas: Legal Hurdles Add Pressure
In Arkansas, 23 CVS locations face potential shutdowns due to a new law affecting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). CVS owns Caremark, a major PBM, and the law bans PBMs from owning pharmacies in the state.
This move could force CVS to shut down all its stores in Arkansas by 2026, adding a legal layer to its nationwide transformation plan. CVS argues that such laws can hurt consumers by limiting access and raising drug prices, but the state stands firm on its aim to prevent corporate conflicts of interest.
The Bigger Picture: Industry-Wide Changes
CVS isn’t alone in reshaping its retail strategy. Competitors like Walgreens and Rite Aid are also reducing their number of physical stores. All three major chains face challenges like shrinking foot traffic, online competition, and increased operational costs.
Why Retail Pharmacies Are Struggling:
- Rise of online pharmacies and telehealth
- Inflation impacting brick-and-mortar profitability
- Regulatory pressures in certain states
- Increased focus on mobile health solutions
CVS’s plan to invest more in virtual care and smaller in-person clinics aligns with where the entire industry appears to be heading.
Final Thoughts: What You Can Do
The announcement of CVS stores closing—especially the 270 additional locations this year—can disrupt routines for many people. However, CVS assures the public that over 9,000 stores will remain operational across the country. They claim that nearly 85% of Americans will still have a CVS within 10 miles of their home.
If your local CVS is closing, consider these steps:
- Refill your prescriptions early
- Transfer medications to a nearby CVS or alternative pharmacy
- Look into mail-order options offered by CVS
- Use the CVS mobile app for digital health services
Take Action Now
Check if your local CVS is closing and make a plan to continue your care without interruption. Use CVS’s store locator or mobile app to find nearby alternatives or switch to mail-order options for added convenience.