CVS celebrates opening of 7,000th store

CVS/pharmacy recently celebrated the grand opening of its 7,000th store in Little Canada, Minn. Larry Merlo, President of CVS/pharmacy, marked the occasion by cutting the ribbon along with Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development representatives.

"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 health care costs for plan sponsors and participants."

The new store in Little Canada features all of the high quality products and services CVS customers have come to expect, including a full service pharmacy with double lane drive-thru pharmacy service, a selection of health and beauty products and general merchandise, and a digital photo cafe where customers can  customize and print their pictures.

Merlo also 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.

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.