CVS Pharmacy Launches Its First Apothecary-Style Pharmacy-Only Location in Chicago

CVS Health® has officially opened its first pharmacy-only location in the West End neighborhood of Chicago, marking a significant milestone in its plan to increase access to pharmacy services across the United States. The new store at 2628 West Pershing Road is part of CVS's commitment to make health care more accessible to communities by offering dedicated spaces for pharmacists to engage with patients directly.

This new apothecary-style CVS Pharmacy is one of nearly 20 similar locations planned for the year, each designed to bridge gaps in healthcare by providing essential services such as prescription medications, immunizations, and health consultations. With an area of approximately 3,000 square feet, the store aims to create a welcoming environment for customers needing immediate access to pharmacy care.

According to Len Shankman, Executive Vice President and President of Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness at CVS Health, pharmacists are among the most trusted healthcare providers. This new pharmacy format allows pharmacists to maintain close relationships with patients, offering personalized support and guidance tailored to local health needs.

The introduction of pharmacy-only locations is part of a broader strategy by CVS Health to reinvent pharmacy services. By focusing on community-specific needs, CVS has strategically realigned its retail presence in recent years, replacing conventional stores with smaller neighborhood pharmacies. These pharmacies are designed to work in complement with various existing formats, including traditional CVS locations and pharmacies integrated into retail partners like Target.

The pharmacy-only stores will only enhance CVS's existing network. Following the successful launch of the first location in Birmingham, Alabama, CVS plans to open more sites in diverse cities, including Houston, Roxbury, Detroit, and Brooklyn, throughout 2026.

A recent CVS Health® Rx Report has shown that nearly 80% of patients prefer face-to-face interactions with pharmacists. The study further reveals that nearly half of patients would be willing to switch pharmacies if limited to digital interactions only. This feedback highlights the critical role that personal contact plays in pharmacy care, pushing CVS to prioritize one-on-one interactions in its new locations.

Shankman emphasized, "Health care is best delivered locally, in the community, by trusted and caring colleagues. Customers value having options, whether in-person or online, to fit their busy lives. Our community pharmacies are dedicated to providing top-class service through connected, personalized experiences."

Patient preferences are also changing, with increasing demand for varied care options, including same-day or quick delivery services, as well as traditional in-store visits. CVS Pharmacy is committed to giving customers multiple channels to access their health care needs conveniently.

As a healthcare leader, CVS Health operates without boundaries, striving to build a healthier world around consumers wherever they are. As of December 31, 2025, the company had approximately 9,000 retail locations, 1,000+ medical clinics, and serves nearly 87 million plan members. The integration of CVS's pharmacy services aims to enhance access to quality care while reducing overall healthcare costs.

Through its innovative community-based approach, CVS Health is paving the way for a more accessible healthcare experience. The opening of the first pharmacy-only location is a promising foretaste of the strategic expansion of vital pharmacy care services across many communities in the United States.