What you need to know

On May 28, 2025, CVS announced plans to close 270 retail pharmacy locations this year as part of its ongoing enterprise-wide restructuring initiative, originally introduced in November 2021.

Overview

CVS, the largest retail pharmacy chain in the United States with 9,000 locations nationwide, has stated that it is continuing its strategic realignment to optimize its retail footprint. This initiative was first announced in 2021, with a stated aim to reduce store density and enhance the performance of existing locations.

Between 2022 and 2024, CVS closed 900 stores. In 2025, an additional 270 closures are planned. These decisions are not driven by external industry pressures but are part of a long-term strategy to better serve its consumers’ evolving health, wellness and pharmacy needs.

It’s important to note that even after the realignment efforts, 85% of people in the U.S. will continue to live within 10 miles of a CVS Pharmacy. While CVS is closing certain locations as part of this strategy, the company is also expanding its presence by opening new stores and pharmacies in areas where there is a demonstrated need. Between 2022 and 2024, CVS opened 100 new stores, and it plans to open an additional 30 CVS Pharmacy locations in 2025.

CVS closure protocols

CVS remains committed to ensuring that members have uninterrupted access to the pharmacy services they need. CVS has established a communication protocol to inform patients of permanent store closures:

• 40 days prior: Signage posted at the closing location
• 30 days prior: Text message notifications sent to members
• 25 days prior: Phone calls made to members
• 21–14 days prior: Letters mailed to members
• Upon closure: Phone line and message forwarding activated
• Three days after closure: ReadyFill members receive text updates about automatic refills at their new pharmacy location

Prime's response and next steps

Prime is actively engaged with CVS to monitor upcoming closures and evaluate potential impacts on our clients. We expect to receive monthly updates on store closures from CVS, which will allow us to assess the impact to our clients and actively monitor access to ensure network adequacy and address any concerns.

Questions?

Pharmacy directors may contact their Prime network client service manager.