CVS Will Close 900 Stores Starting in 2022—Closures Will Span 3 Years

CVS Pharmacy provides household items, snacks, prescription medication, and even clinical services. For years, consumers across the U.S. have depended on their local CVS Pharmacy for last-minute items or to fill their prescriptions. Unfortunately, the retail giant recently announced it will be closing 900 stores, which will happen over the next three years.

Does CVS’s motive for closing 900 stores stem from a financial issue or is it a strategic move? Does the retail giant have plans to go out of business?

The most important question we must address is whether the store closures serve as a pathway for the retail giant to later go out of business. We are happy to report that CVS hasn't mentioned any plans to go out of business in the near future, although anything is possible.

With consumer buying patterns fluctuating, retailers can only survive for so long without acquiring the revenue they need to continue with operations.

In the press release issued on Nov. 18, CVS Health stated that it will close 300 stores each year for the next three years. The closures will start in the spring of 2022. The company said that several factors supported its reasoning for wanting to close hundreds of stores including:

• Changes in population
• Shifts in consumer buying patterns
• Future health needs

After evaluating all of these factors, CVS thinks it will be in the company's best interest to “reduce store density in certain locations.” Although the closures could put many jobs in jeopardy, the company stated that it will work to offer those affected other opportunities such as working at other locations.

CVS didn't disclose which store locations will be closing.

CVS isn’t just closing 900 stores—the company is also looking to “create new store formats to drive higher engagement with consumers.” To accomplish this, CVS Pharmacy will offer services using three “distinct models” that include:

• Sites that can be utilized for primary care services
• Enhanced versions of its HealthHUB locations that provide on-site services and telehealth visits in addition to 1,000s of wellness products, which will likely include offering the COVID-19 vaccines
• Traditional CVS stores

CVS CEO Karen Lynch stated that the company remains “focused on the competitive advantage provided by our presence in thousands of communities across the country, which complements our rapidly expanding digital presence.”

Lynch also acknowledged that Neela Montgomery, the current executive vice president and president of CVS Retail/Pharmacy would be stepping down from her duties as a result of the decision to close 900 stores. Montgomery is expected to continue in her role until the end of 2021.

In CVS’s press release, the company also shared that it expects “to record an impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2021 of between $1.0 billion and $1.2 billion.” In light of the big announcement, CVS stock has remained steady and is trading at around $94 per share.