CVS Health will launch 20 pharmacy only stores in 2026 as part of its strategy to expand convenient pharmacy services while optimizing its retail footprint. These smaller format stores, averaging around 3,000 square feet, will offer full pharmacy services with a limited selection of over the counter products tailored to community needs.
Glimpse:
The company plans to open a total of 60 new stores in 2026, including the 20 pharmacy only locations, traditional CVS stores, and Target embedded outlets. The concept was successfully piloted in Birmingham, Alabama (late 2025) and Chicago’s West End (March 2026). Additional stores are scheduled for Houston, Roxbury (Massachusetts), Detroit, and Brooklyn.
CVS Health is introducing a new, compact store format focused exclusively on pharmacy services to make essential medication and healthcare support more accessible in local neighbourhoods. In 2026, the company will roll out 20 pharmacy only stores, each significantly smaller than a standard CVS outlet at approximately 3,000 square feet.
These new locations will provide full service pharmacy care, including medication dispensing, patient counselling, immunizations, and health screenings. A carefully curated selection of over the counter products will also be available based on the specific requirements of each community. The streamlined design aims to foster closer pharmacist patient interactions while improving operational efficiency.
This initiative is part of CVS Health’s larger expansion plan that includes opening 60 stores overall in 2026. The rollout builds on successful pilot stores launched in Birmingham, Alabama, and Chicago’s West End. Further pharmacy only outlets are expected in Houston, Roxbury in Massachusetts, Detroit, and Brooklyn during the year.
The move reflects CVS Health’s ongoing efforts to adapt its physical presence to evolving consumer expectations and strengthen its position as a leading community healthcare provider.
“Pharmacists are among the most accessible and most trusted healthcare providers. The new format allows pharmacy teams to engage more closely with patients and provide personalized care within local communities.”
By
HB Team
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