CVS Health has announced plans to close 270 store locations across the United States in 2025, marking a significant step in its ongoing strategy to realign its retail footprint. This decision follows the closure of approximately 900 locations between 2022 and 2024, as the company seeks to optimize its operations in response to shifting consumer behaviors and market dynamics.
Impacted Locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
The closures will affect several CVS stores in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas. Specific locations include:
- Washington, D.C.: 1117 10th St. NW, 1100 4th St. SW, 400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 1515 New York Ave. NE, 4500 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 7828 Georgia Ave. NW
- Maryland: 1000 S. Charles St., Federal Hill, Baltimore; 7235 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda; 34 N. Cannon Ave., Hagerstown (closing June 26)
- Virginia: 10390 Willard Way, Fairfax
These closures are part of a broader initiative to streamline CVS’s operations and better align its store locations with current market demands.
Strategic Realignment and Future Plans
CVS’s decision to close these stores is driven by several factors, including population shifts, changes in consumer buying patterns, and the need to reduce store and pharmacy density in certain areas. Despite the closures, the company emphasizes that 85% of Americans will still live within 10 miles of a CVS Pharmacy. Additionally, CVS plans to open approximately 30 new locations in 2025, including pharmacies inside Target stores, to continue serving its customer base effectively.
Customer Impact and Community Considerations
The impending store closures have raised concerns among customers regarding access to pharmacy services. In response, CVS is working to ensure that affected customers have access to their medications and services. For example, the Cedar Park Shopping Center location in Vienna, Virginia, will close on April 1, and all prescriptions will be transferred to the nearby location at 337 East Maple St. in Vienna. Customers will also have the option to transfer their prescriptions to another CVS location or a pharmacy of their choice.
Adapting to Changing Consumer Needs
As part of its strategic realignment, CVS is introducing smaller, pharmacy-focused store formats that prioritize essential health services and medications. These new stores will average less than 5,000 square feet and will focus primarily on prescriptions and over-the-counter health products, excluding many of the non-pharmacy items traditionally offered in larger stores. This approach aims to meet the specific needs of communities and adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Conclusion
CVS Health’s decision to close 270 store locations in 2025 reflects a strategic effort to optimize its retail footprint and better align with evolving market conditions and consumer behaviors. While these closures may impact some customers, CVS is committed to ensuring continued access to pharmacy services through its remaining locations and new store formats. The company’s focus on adapting to changing healthcare needs underscores its dedication to providing accessible and effective pharmacy care.
