CVS Pharmacy: Meeting the Unique Needs of Communities Across America
With more than 9,000 locations nationwide, CVS Pharmacy® stands as the largest retail pharmacy in the United States and a trusted partner in community health and wellness. Beyond simply dispensing prescriptions, CVS Pharmacy delivers care in innovative, accessible, and highly personalized ways — ensuring that no matter where a customer lives, they can rely on CVS for products, services, and support tailored to their needs.
At the heart of CVS Pharmacy’s approach is a deep understanding that every community is unique. The health needs, cultural preferences, and shopping habits of customers can vary widely from one neighborhood to another. That’s why CVS has adopted a multi-format strategy, offering different types of store layouts, services, and product assortments designed to meet the specific requirements of the communities they serve. From traditional stand-alone locations to health care-focused hubs, CVS is committed to being there for its customers and patients — exactly when and where they need it most.
Traditional CVS Pharmacy Stores
The backbone of the CVS network is its traditional pharmacy stores, which are designed to provide accessible and comprehensive health, wellness, and everyday shopping options. These locations stock thousands of products, including:
- Over-the-counter medications for common ailments such as colds, allergies, and digestive issues.
- Beauty products from trusted brands, offering everything from skincare and cosmetics to personal care essentials.
- Better-for-you food options for health-conscious shoppers seeking snacks, beverages, and pantry items with improved nutritional value.
- Seasonal products, including holiday décor, summer essentials, and back-to-school items.
Every traditional store also houses a full-service pharmacy where patients can not only fill prescriptions but also access clinical care services. Pharmacists provide counseling, medication reviews, and administer more than 15 different immunizations, including flu, shingles, and COVID-19 vaccines. This integration of retail and pharmacy services creates a one-stop destination for customers to address multiple needs in a single visit.
Store-in-Store Formats
In some communities, convenience means combining errands under one roof. CVS Pharmacy meets this need through store-in-store formats, operating inside select Target stores nationwide and within Schnucks, a regional grocery chain.
These store-in-store locations offer the same full-service pharmacy experience as a traditional CVS Pharmacy, allowing customers to manage their prescriptions, receive immunizations, and consult with pharmacists — all while shopping for household goods, groceries, or clothing in their local Target or Schnucks. This format reflects CVS’s commitment to meeting customers where they already shop, making health care access more seamless and efficient.
Differentiated Front Store Formats
Recognizing the diversity of the communities it serves, CVS Pharmacy also operates specialized store formats designed to reflect local culture, language preferences, and shopping habits.
- CVS Pharmacy y más and Navarro stores focus on meeting the needs of Hispanic communities. These locations employ bilingual associates to ensure customers feel comfortable and understood. They also stock more than 1,500 culturally relevant products from beloved brands such as Café la Llave, Agustín Reyes, and Fabuloso — making it easy for customers to find the products they know and trust from back home.
- In Hawaii, CVS operates under the Longs Drugs brand, a name that has been part of the local culture for decades. Longs Drugs stores offer a blend of pharmacy services, everyday essentials, and local island favorites, creating a sense of connection and tradition for Hawaiian customers.
- In some urban areas, CVS has also introduced health, beauty, and food-focused stores with no pharmacy. These locations cater to busy customers who need a quick “grab-and-go” option for essentials without requiring prescription services.
By tailoring the shopping experience to the cultural and practical needs of the community, these differentiated formats ensure that CVS remains relevant and responsive to local preferences.
Health Care-Focused Formats
In addition to retail services, CVS Pharmacy is expanding access to health care by integrating medical services directly into its locations. These community health destinations are designed to make high-quality care more convenient, especially in areas where access to primary or urgent care is limited.
CVS Pharmacy + MinuteClinic®
Select CVS Pharmacy locations feature MinuteClinic, an in-store medical clinic that serves more than five million patients annually. Staffed by board-certified nurse practitioners and physician associates, MinuteClinic offers a wide range of services, including:
- Acute care for common illnesses and minor injuries.
- Chronic condition management for patients with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma.
- Primary care services in select markets, including routine checkups, health screenings, and preventive care.
- Mental health services, both in-person and via telehealth, to support patients dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression.
With convenient walk-in availability and extended hours, MinuteClinic makes it easier for patients to receive timely care without waiting for a traditional doctor’s appointment.
CVS Pharmacy + Oak Street Health®
In another innovative format, some CVS Pharmacy locations are situated next to Oak Street Health primary care centers. Oak Street Health specializes in preventive, personalized care for older adults on Medicare. These clinics provide comprehensive medical services while also connecting patients to a full-service CVS Pharmacy right next door.
This co-location model offers several advantages:
- Streamlined patient experience — patients can visit their doctor and pick up prescriptions in the same trip.
- A curated selection of over-the-counter health and wellness products to complement medical care.
- Improved access to preventive services in communities that often face health care shortages.
By combining retail pharmacy with dedicated primary care, CVS and Oak Street Health are working together to close gaps in care for some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
A Commitment to Community-Centered Care
Whether it’s a traditional store, a store-in-store partnership, a culturally specialized location, or a health care hub, the common thread across all CVS Pharmacy formats is the company’s dedication to community well-being. The goal is to ensure that customers have access to the right mix of products, services, and clinical care — all in a setting that feels familiar and welcoming.
This adaptability has helped CVS Pharmacy remain a trusted household name for generations. By listening to customers, investing in innovative store formats, and expanding access to care, CVS is shaping the future of pharmacy and community health in America.
With a footprint that spans every type of neighborhood — from urban centers to rural towns — CVS Pharmacy continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the communities it serves. It’s not just about filling prescriptions; it’s about being a true health and wellness partner, providing care in ways no one else can.
