CVS Is Closing Stores Across the U.S.: These Locations Are Affected

You’ve probably walked past your local CVS store and found a closing sign on its door. 

This isn’t a drill. 

CVS Pharmacy has been shutting down many of its stores for several years now. It’s 2026 and this is still happening.  But there’s a twist you need to know. CVS still has plans to open new stores this year. Let’s look at what’s going on behind the scenes.

The Big Picture

CVS’ closing spree started in 2022. The company announced plans to close an estimated 900 stores between 2022 and 2024. In 2025, CVS reportedly closed 271 stores. They’ve also closed tens of stores in 2026.

You might be wondering why CVS is closing stores left and right. The company claims the reason for this is people moving to new spots and shopping habits changing. CVS also says they shut down some stores because they were close to other related outlets.

What’s Happening in 2026?

CVS has said it’s closing only a few stores this year. These stores are those moving to new areas or with leases that’ll expire soon. 

According to Store Closure Watch, 35 CVS stores were closed in 2026. Hardest-hit states include California and Maryland. There’s a catch, though. CVS doesn’t have a public list of all closed stores.  So, if you make a Google query along the lines of “CVS Near Me,” you might just find a store on the chopping block.

To avoid going to an already-closed store, contact customer care. You can also check CVS’ site to see if the company’s location in your area is still active.

Plot Twist: Some Stores Got Saved

Not every store has a “we’re closing” sign on the door. In San Francisco, CVS told its customers it’d close the store at Van Ness Avenue in February 2026. But they reversed their decision after community opposition.

More of the same occurred in Reston, Virginia. The company put up posters stating that it’ll close its Reston Metro Plaza outlet in April.  But after public outcry against the decision, CVS said the store will stay open. If the CVS pharmacy in your area issues a closure notice, don’t just panic. Making some community noise could see them reverse their decision. 

New Stores, New Look

CVS has announced plans to open about 60 new locations in 2026. This would make it the first year of company growth after several years of shrinking.

Some of these new stores will debut a style you’re probably not used to. The company is opening an estimated 20 pharmacy-only stores. They’ll be small and half the size of typical CVS locations.  With this structure, you won’t find greeting card aisles and shampoo walls. These new stores will feature over-the-counter medicines, a pharmacy counter, and a pharmacist who can answer your questions.

CVS first launched this type of pharmacy in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2025. The company considered this test run a success. 

So, the company went ahead and opened another in Chicago’s West End back in March 2026. CVS intends to expand this pharmacy-only format to more markets, including Brooklyn, Boston, Houston, and Detroit.

What You Should Do

If the CVS closest to you is about to shut down, you can move your prescription with their help. Don’t just wait until the last day before you do this. Ensure you transfer early to avoid delays.

Still want to use CVS? Searching for “CVS pharmacy near me” can help you find a nearby backup location. Ensure you go there during opening hours to avoid finding it closed.

Worried about the workers? That’s valid. CVS has said that employees in affected stores can find new roles through CVS Careers. CVS stores closing around the country present a chance for you to find an independent pharmacy that can handle your needs. They could use your business in this harsh economic climate.