Kings Plaza Loses a Beloved Store: CVS Shuts Down After More Than 50 Years

News Summary

CVS at Kings Plaza has officially closed its doors after more than 50 years of service to the community. This closure is part of CVS’s plan to shut down nearly 900 underperforming locations in the U.S. as they adjust to changing market dynamics. The closure hits local residents hard, particularly the senior population who relied on this convenient pharmacy. The nearest alternative CVS will now be two miles away, prompting concerns about access to essential pharmacy services. As the pharmacy landscape shifts, both local businesses and governments must prioritize healthcare access for all citizens.

Kings Plaza Loses a Beloved Store: CVS Shuts Down After More Than 50 Years

Kings Plaza, a local hub for many residents, has seen the light dim on one of its long-standing stores. The CVS at 1015 King St. officially closed its doors on February 4, 2025. The closure comes as CVS embarks on an ambitious plan to shut down nearly 900 underperforming locations across the United States over the next three years, with the goal of streamlining operations and adjusting to shifting market dynamics.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Originally opened in 1972 as a Revco, this CVS location has been a staple in the community for decades. It has especially been a go-to for the elderly population who often relied on this convenient spot for their pharmacy needs. Unfortunately, the closure hits hard for those seniors who are accustomed to walking over to the store to pick up their prescriptions.

The Next Closest Option

For Kings Plaza residents, the nearest CVS will now be at 59 George St., about two miles away near the College of Charleston. Many locals have expressed their frustration over the reduced access to pharmacy services, emphasizing the distance they will now have to travel.

What’s Driving The Closures?

In explaining this major decision, CVS pointed to several factors, primarily focusing on geography and community needs. The company aims to redirect business from shuttered locations to better-supported stores, but residents are left pondering if these changes truly reflect their needs.

The Kings Plaza CVS is not the only pharmacy facing these challenges. Other competitors, including Walgreens and Rite Aid, are also announcing store closures. Walgreens has plans to shut down 1,200 locations in the next three years, citing about 25% of their stores as unprofitable. Meanwhile, Rite Aid has closed over 500 stores since declaring bankruptcy in 2023, underscoring a troubling trend in the industry.

The Changing Face of Pharmacy Employment

The decline in drug store profits is largely attributed to evolving consumer habits, like the growing popularity of mail-order prescriptions and online shopping. Since 2018, a noticeable decrease in the number of drug stores has been observed, compounded by the financial difficulties faced by major chains.

In a related note, the University of Charleston has announced it will close its School of Pharmacy due to declining enrollment. This reflects a national trend among pharmacy education programs, where enrollments have plummeted to merely 20% of previous levels. Existing students will still be able to finish their courses until June 2025, with options available for transfer to other programs.

Struggles Within Pharmacy Careers

Factors contributing to this decline in interest in pharmacy careers include escalating educational requirements and a challenging work environment filled with stress and staffing shortages. As the pharmacy landscape continues to change, those graduating with pharmacy degrees might find themselves facing a saturated job market.

CVS’s Response to Job Cuts

In light of the job losses resulting from the closures, CVS is taking steps to support its employees. Those affected by the Kings Plaza closure are being offered comparable positions at other locations. Furthermore, in recognition of workforce concerns, CVS is investing in staffing solutions and providing significant wage increases and bonuses.

The reality is that the landscape of pharmacy services is shifting dramatically, leaving many residents in Kings Plaza and beyond with questions about their options. As this community adjusts to the absence of a familiar store, it is essential for both businesses and local governments to prioritize access to affordable healthcare and prescription needs for all citizens.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier
• WVGazette-Mail
• Taste of Country
• The State
• Wikipedia: Pharmacy
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Pharmacy