CVS Health to Open 20 Pharmacy-Only Stores in 2026 to Expand Access to Care

The new stores will be smaller in size, averaging around 3,000 square feet, roughly half the size of traditional CVS locations.

CVS Health is set to open 20 pharmacy-only locations in 2026 as part of its ongoing effort to optimize its retail footprint and strengthen access to pharmacy services.

The new stores will be smaller in size, averaging around 3,000 square feet, roughly half the size of traditional CVS locations. Each site will include a full-service pharmacy along with a curated selection of over-the-counter products tailored to local demand.

The pharmacy-only model is part of the company’s broader strategy to realign its retail operations in response to changing industry dynamics and evolving patient needs. CVS Health is also planning to open a total of 60 stores this year, including traditional outlets, locations within Target stores, and pharmacy-focused sites.

Company executives said the smaller-format stores are designed to improve access to pharmacy care in specific communities while maintaining operational efficiency. The initiative focuses on enabling direct patient engagement with pharmacists and expanding access to medication guidance and support services.

“Pharmacists are among the most accessible and most trusted healthcare providers,” said Len Shankman, Executive Vice President and President of Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness at CVS Health. He noted that the new format allows pharmacy teams to engage more closely with patients and provide personalized care within local communities.

CVS Health has already piloted the concept with its first pharmacy-only store launched in Birmingham, Alabama, followed by another in Chicago’s West End. Additional locations are planned across several cities in 2026, including Houston, Roxbury, Detroit, and Brooklyn.

Alongside these pharmacy-only stores, the company will continue expanding its presence through more than 40 additional locations, including traditional CVS Pharmacy stores and outlets within Target.

The shift toward smaller, pharmacy-focused stores reflects CVS Health’s efforts to adapt to industry changes while maintaining access to essential pharmacy services across its network.

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