CVS drugstores that quit tobacco sales last year are now getting health and beauty makeovers to attract customers who want more than a prescription refill.
The nation’s second-largest drugstore chain said Wednesday it is adding fresh foods, healthy snacks and expanded beauty options to many of its locations. It also is testing a new format designed for stores that serve Hispanic populations.
CVS Health Corp. executives say these changes reflect customer demand. They also could help perk up store sales outside the pharmacy area that have slumped since the company phased out tobacco last September.
The push from CVS reflects similar expansions into selling healthier products and more beauty items by rivals Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. and Rite Aid Corp. Drugstores have been focusing more for a few years now on customizing their stores to what their shoppers want instead of simply adding locations. They’ve been expanding their offerings to serve customers who want to make fewer stops when they go shopping.
Woonsocket, Rhode Island-based CVS Health runs about 7,800 drugstores nationwide. It is adding fresh and refrigerated foods to about 500 stores and then bulking up on healthier snacks chainwide. Bagged candy, which occupies the first aisle in many stores, is being moved back and replaced with nuts and other healthier items.