CVS Pharmacy® Marks Opening of Its First Pharmacy-Only Location in Chicago
CVS Health has announced a significant expansion of its retail pharmacy strategy with the launch of a new “pharmacy-only” store concept, marking a pivotal step in the company’s broader effort to improve access to healthcare services and modernize the traditional pharmacy experience. The initiative begins with the opening of its first apothecary-style CVS Pharmacy location in Chicago, and is part of a plan to roll out nearly 20 such locations across the United States within the year.
The newly opened site, located on West Pershing Road in Chicago’s West End neighborhood, represents a departure from the conventional large-format CVS stores that typically combine retail merchandise with pharmacy services. Instead, this streamlined, pharmacy-focused model is designed to prioritize healthcare delivery, ensuring that patients can easily access medications, vaccinations, and professional guidance from pharmacists in a more personalized and efficient setting.
A New Model Focused on Accessibility and Simplicity
The pharmacy-only locations are intentionally compact, with an average footprint of approximately 3,000 square feet. Despite their smaller size, these stores are fully equipped to provide comprehensive pharmacy services. Patients can fill prescriptions, receive immunizations, and consult directly with pharmacists, while also having access to a curated selection of over-the-counter (OTC) health products tailored to the specific needs of the local community.
This targeted approach is aimed at eliminating barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing essential healthcare services. By situating these pharmacies in underserved or high-demand areas, CVS Health seeks to bridge gaps in care and provide a more convenient, neighborhood-based solution for patients who may otherwise face challenges in obtaining medications or professional medical advice.
Len Shankman, Executive Vice President and President of Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness at CVS Health, emphasized the critical role pharmacists play in the healthcare ecosystem. He noted that pharmacists are among the most accessible and trusted healthcare providers, making them uniquely positioned to offer frontline care and guidance.
According to Shankman, the pharmacy-only model enables pharmacists to spend more time engaging directly with patients, answering questions, and providing medication counseling. This enhanced level of interaction is expected to strengthen relationships between pharmacists and the communities they serve, fostering trust and improving overall health outcomes.
Reinventing the Pharmacy Experience
The introduction of pharmacy-only locations is part of CVS Health’s broader strategy to reinvent the pharmacy landscape in response to evolving consumer expectations and industry trends. Over the past several years, the company has been actively reshaping its retail footprint to better align with changing healthcare needs, shifting away from a one-size-fits-all approach toward a more flexible and community-focused model.
This transformation includes a diverse range of store formats designed to meet varying patient preferences and demographics. In addition to the new pharmacy-only sites, CVS Pharmacy continues to operate its traditional full-service stores, which combine retail shopping with pharmacy services. The company also maintains a strong presence through store-in-store pharmacy locations within major retail partners such as Target and regional grocery chains like Schnucks.
Further expanding its healthcare offerings, CVS Pharmacy locations often include MinuteClinic walk-in clinics, providing basic medical care and preventive services. Additionally, the company has developed integrated care models through co-located facilities with Oak Street Health, particularly in communities with higher Medicaid populations. These centers aim to deliver coordinated, value-based care for patients with complex healthcare needs.
Expansion Plans Across the United States
The Chicago location follows the company’s first pharmacy-only store, which opened in Birmingham in late 2025. Building on this initial success, CVS Health plans to expand the concept to several additional cities in 2026, including Houston, Detroit, Brooklyn, and Roxbury.
In parallel with the rollout of pharmacy-only sites, the company also intends to open more than 40 additional CVS Pharmacy locations, encompassing both traditional standalone stores and pharmacy units within Target stores. This dual expansion strategy reflects CVS Health’s commitment to maintaining a strong physical presence while also adapting to new models of care delivery.
The Continued Importance of In-Person Care
While digital health solutions and online pharmacy services have grown significantly in recent years, CVS Health underscores that in-person interactions remain a cornerstone of effective healthcare delivery. Insights from the company’s 2025 Rx Report reveal that 80% of patients prefer face-to-face engagement with their pharmacists, highlighting the enduring value of personal connections in healthcare.
Moreover, nearly half of surveyed patients indicated they would consider switching pharmacies if limited to digital-only services, underscoring the importance of maintaining physical locations that facilitate direct interaction. This sentiment is echoed by pharmacy professionals themselves, with 97% agreeing that in-person consultations are essential for delivering high-quality care.
The pharmacy-only model is designed to enhance these personal interactions by creating an environment where pharmacists can focus more fully on patient care without the distractions of a large retail operation. By streamlining the store layout and prioritizing healthcare services, CVS aims to deliver a more patient-centric experience.
Integrating Convenience with Personalized Care
Despite the emphasis on in-person care, CVS Health continues to invest in digital and hybrid solutions to meet the diverse preferences of modern consumers. Patients can choose from a range of options, including same-day prescription delivery, next-day shipping, or traditional in-store pickup. This flexibility ensures that individuals can access medications and services in the manner that best suits their lifestyles.
Shankman highlighted that healthcare is most effective when delivered locally, by trusted professionals who understand the unique needs of their communities. By combining advanced technology with a human-centered approach, CVS Pharmacy aims to provide a seamless and personalized healthcare experience.
The launch of pharmacy-only locations represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities within the evolving healthcare landscape. As demand for accessible, community-based care continues to grow, CVS Health’s innovative model positions the company to play a leading role in shaping the future of pharmacy services.
Through its commitment to accessibility, personalization, and community engagement, CVS Health is redefining what it means to be a neighborhood pharmacy. The expansion of these pharmacy-only sites not only enhances access to essential healthcare services but also reinforces the critical role of pharmacists as trusted healthcare providers in communities across the nation.
About CVS Health
CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.
Source Link:https://www.cvshealth.com/
