Format Updates: CVS, Fresh Market

The following companies are launching new retail concepts:

CVS Health (Woonsocket, R.I.) is set to open a dozen stores offering full-service pharmacies but very limited retail, The Wall Street Journal reports. The new stores will average under 5000 square feet, less than half the size of a typical CVS location, the company said.

The smaller-scale stores will still stock health-related products, such as over-the-counter cough and pain medications or first-aid care, a CVS spokeswoman told The Journal, but won’t carry other consumer items, such as greeting cards, groceries and nail polish, that for decades have been staples at CVS and other national drugstore chains.

This initiative comes as CVS (and several other pharmacy chains) are winnowing their store fleets as they struggle to address competition from discount chains and a surge in theft. The 12 new stores are expected to open over the next year in cities and towns throughout the U.S., but the company did not provide specific cities or opening dates.

The Fresh Market (Greensboro, N.C.) has opened its first Spirits & Wine store. The 7000-square-foot space for adult beverages is adjacent to The Fresh Market’s store in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
The new concept offers a range of spirits, including bourbon, whiskies, rums and vodkas, along with an extensive selection of wine, craft beers, and chilled beverage coolers.

“The opening of our Spirits & Wine store is an incredible opportunity to expand on our popular beverage program,” said. “Our guests already trust us to provide the highest quality ingredients and finest flavors from around the world,” said CEO Brian Johnson. “Now, with our Spirits & Wine store, they can enjoy the same impeccable hospitality paired with our new, top-shelf beverage offerings to help make their shopping experience extraordinary.” The company did not detail its future expansion plans for the concept.