CVS Health is set to grow its retail footprint for the first time in years, planning about 60 new store openings in 2026. The expansion includes traditional pharmacies, pharmacy-only locations, and stores within Target locations. This marks a strategic shift after years of store closures and footprint optimization.

Company spokeswoman Amy Thibault confirmed the growth plan, noting that a small number of closures will still occur, primarily due to lease expirations and relocations. The pharmacy chain has spent recent years streamlining its operations and optimizing store locations to better serve patients and customers.

The expansion comes as CVS seeks to strengthen its position in the competitive pharmacy market. By adding diverse store formats including smaller pharmacy-only sites, CVS aims to increase accessibility while managing real estate costs more effectively than traditional full-service locations.