CVS to Open 1,500 HealthHUB Stores Over Next 2 Years

CVS will open 1,500 HealthHUB stores by the end of 2021, the company announced Tuesday ahead of its investor day. The HealthHUBs are remodeled drugstores that focus more on health services and products and less on candy and greeting cards. CVS opened its first three HealthHUB locations in Houston in February. It plans to open more in Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, southern New Jersey and Tampa, Florida, by the end of the year. HealthHUBs include an expanded health clinic, with a lab for blood testing and health screenings. There are also wellness rooms for yoga and seminars, dietitians and respiratory specialists in the HealthHUBs.

Total Retail's Take: CVS, like many other retailers, is trying to create services and offer experiences that can't be replicated online, helping to drive consumers into its stores. In a pilot test, CVS opened three HealthHUBs in Houston this past February, and was pleased with the results it saw. CVS Pharmacy President Kevin Hourican said the three pilot locations have seen higher traffic in their MinuteClinics, increased sales in the front of the store, and grown prescription volumes. Furthermore, as more competition enters the pharmacy sector, particularly online, CVS is looking for ways to differentiate its business. Increased health service offerings in its stores is one way to do that.