Baltimore, January 26, 2026

CVS Health Corporation is set to close 271 retail stores nationwide in 2025, following previous closures of about 900 stores between 2022 and 2024, as part of a comprehensive restructuring plan. The move aims to optimize its retail operations and respond to changing consumer needs. Although these closures may raise concerns about accessibility in certain areas, CVS continues to open new locations while investing in digital innovation and smaller pharmacy-focused stores to enhance community health services.

CVS Health Announces Major Store Closures as Part of Restructuring Plan

Company Optimizes Retail Operations to Meet Evolving Consumer Needs

Baltimore, MD – CVS Health Corporation has revealed plans to close 271 retail stores across the nation in 2025, following the closure of approximately 900 stores between 2022 and 2024. This decision aligns with the company’s ongoing strategy to optimize its retail footprint and respond to changing consumer demands. Notably, these closures are not a reaction to industry pressures but rather the outcome of careful evaluations concerning population shifts, consumer buying patterns, and community health requirements. The specific locations of the stores slated for closure have yet to be disclosed.

In conjunction with these closures, CVS is implementing a comprehensive restructuring plan that includes a $1.2 billion pre-tax charge for 2025. This financial adjustment covers $607 million designated for closing the underperforming stores and $205 million for workforce optimization. The company is pivoting towards smaller, pharmacy-focused locations aimed at enhancing the profitability of its core pharmaceutical business while minimizing overhead costs associated with larger retail formats.

As CVS reduces its physical store presence, the company is simultaneously committed to digital innovation. Over the next decade, CVS plans to invest approximately $20 billion in advancements related to data infrastructure, AI-driven care delivery, and virtual engagement platforms. These initiatives are intended to improve operational efficiency, elevate personalized care, and encourage a shift towards a tech-driven model that is responsive to consumer health needs.

Despite the impending closures, CVS remains dedicated to serving communities actively and has opened approximately 100 new stores from 2022 to 2024. The company plans to introduce nearly 30 new CVS Pharmacy locations in 2025, including those situated within Target stores. This strategic combination of closings and openings reflects CVS’s ability to adapt to evolving market dynamics while ensuring that services align with community healthcare needs.

Impact of Closures on Local Communities

While CVS’s decisions may evoke concerns over accessibility in certain neighborhoods, the company’s emphasis on analyzing specific community health requirements can ultimately enhance service where it’s needed most. By pinpointing areas for growth and investing in smaller stores, CVS can concentrate its efforts on improving health outcomes in urban and suburban settings.

Emphasizing Digital Transformation

CVS’s substantial investment in digital capabilities underscores a broader trend in the retail and healthcare sectors toward embracing technology. By incorporating sophisticated data analytics and AI technologies, CVS aims to streamline operations and enhance customer experience, ultimately positioning itself strongly in an increasingly digitized marketplace.

Future Store Developments

The planned openings of new CVS locations serve as a promising counterbalance to the closures. By evaluating demographic trends and healthcare access gaps, CVS is strategically expanding its footprint in neighborhoods where additional resources are necessary, reinforcing its commitment to community health.

Conclusion

CVS Health Corporation’s strategic store closures and investments signal a significant shift in how it operates within the healthcare landscape. By focusing on smaller formats, enhancing digital capabilities, and responding to community needs, CVS is poised for sustainable growth. Baltimore residents and entrepreneurs can benefit from being adaptive to change, ensuring that local businesses continue to thrive amidst shifting market dynamics. It is a call to action for consumers to support businesses that are actively engaged in improving public health and community well-being.

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Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER

The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.