CVS/pharmacy opens its 7,000th store
WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS/pharmacy reached a milestone Thursday with the grand opening of its 7,000th store in Little Canada, Minn.
Larry Merlo, president of CVS/pharmacy, marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development commissioner Dan McElroy, and Little Canada's Mayor Bill Blesener.
"Since opening our first store in Massachusetts in 1963, CVS/pharmacy has evolved from a health-and-beauty-aids retailer to the nation's leading retail pharmacy with 7,000 stores in 41 states and the District of Columbia that are staffed by dedicated pharmacy professionals who work hard every day to take care of our customers," Merlo said. "As part of CVS Caremark, our integrated pharmacy and PBM operations are providing greater choice and more convenience for customers and patients, improving health outcomes and lowering overall healthcare costs for plan sponsors and participants."
The 7000th store in Little Canada features a full-service pharmacy staffed by highly trained pharmacists and knowledgeable pharmacy support staff; convenient double-lane drive-thru pharmacy service; an extensive selection of health and beauty products and general merchandise; a digital photo cafe where customers can comfortably customize and print their pictures; and the CVS/pharmacy ExtraCare Rewards Program, which offers customers money back in the form of Extra Bucks every time they shop.
As part of the grand opening of the 7,000th CVS/pharmacy, Merlo announced details of CVS Caremark's plan to offer $75,000 of free seasonal flu shots to the unemployed in Minneapolis-St. Paul. The effort is part of CVS Caremark's nationwide campaign to provide $3 million in free flu shots to unemployed Americans across the country. The 2,500 vouchers for free seasonal flu shots will be distributed in collaboration with Minnesota's DEED beginning in October in an effort to keep this at-risk population healthy this flu season.
To further mark the occasion, CVS/pharmacy will present a $7,000 donation to Courage Center, a Minnesota-based rehabilitation and resource center that advances the lives of children and adults experiencing barriers to health and independence. The donation is in keeping with CVS Caremark's signature philanthropic program All Kids Can, a five year, $25 million initiative to help children with disabilities to learn, play and succeed in life.
Drug Store News will will have an exclusive look at extended photo coverage from the event Friday.