Medically reviewed by 
As CVS Health moves into the final phase of its multi-year retail overhaul, the company is closing dozens of California locations in 2025—part of a larger strategy that has already seen nearly 900 closures nationwide since 2021. These closures are reshaping CVS’s presence across the state, from the Bay Area to the Inland Empire, in response to rising digital healthcare use, shifting consumer behavior, and the need for operational efficiency.
In both urban and suburban California communities—where store closures can create localized pharmacy gaps—online and mail-order pharmacies have become increasingly critical. These services help residents maintain consistent, affordable access to medications without relying on in-person visits.
Looking to fill your prescription? Planet Drugs Direct offers up to 80% off U.S. retail prices and ships medications anywhere in California or across the United States—ideal for uninsured individuals or those managing long-term conditions.
Key Takeaways
CVS Store Closures Continue Across California: Dozens of CVS locations are shutting down in 2025 as the company prioritizes high-performing markets and reduces store redundancy in cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and San Bernardino.
Shift to Smaller, Health-Centered Models: CVS is replacing large-format retail stores with HealthHUBs and smaller neighborhood pharmacies that focus on primary care, chronic condition management, and essential wellness services.
Digital Healthcare Is Replacing In-Store Visits: With widespread adoption of telehealth and digital pharmacy tools in California, more patients are choosing online refills, mail delivery, and virtual consults over traditional walk-ins.
Industry-Wide Changes Are Reshaping Access: CVS isn’t alone—Walgreens and Rite Aid are also closing hundreds of stores in California, marking a broader transformation of the pharmacy landscape statewide.
CVS Store Closures in California (Updated May 2025)
The list may be ongoing into 2025 as CVS continues to close up to 270 locations around the United States this year:
City | Address |
San Francisco | 499 Haight St. |
Sacramento | 1701 K St. |
Elk Grove | 8585 Elk Grove Blvd |
Murrieta | 25080 Hancock Ave |
Azusa | 367 N Citrus Ave |
Fremont | 2000 Driscoll Rd |
San Francisco | 601 Mission Street |
San Francisco | 500 Pine St |
San Jose | 1097 Leigh Ave |
San Francisco | 995 Market Street |
Stockton | 7464 Pacific Avenue |
Azusa | 101 W Foothill Blvd |
Indio | 82-270 Highway 111 |
El Monte | 9920 East Garvey Ave |
Victorville | 13650 Bear Valley Rd |
Oakland | 2964 Broadway Ave |
San Francisco | 731 Market St. |
San Francisco | 1285 Sutter Street |
Ladera Ranch | 27702 Crown Valley Prkwy Ste I |
San Bernardino | 1540 E Highland Ave |
Long Beach | 4570 Atlantic Avenue |
Pittsburg | 230 Atlantic Ave |
Lamont | 8929 Panama Rd Suite B |
Oakland | 344 Thomas L. Berkley Way |
Pasadena | 603 South Lake Avenue |
Sebastopol | 788 Gravenstein Highway N. |
Vacaville | 377 E. Monte Vista Avenue |
Whittier | 12560 Whittier Boulevard |
Antioch | 3130 Buchanan Road |
San Francisco | 1101 Market Street |
Moreno Valley | 15025 Perris Boulevard |
Visalia | 2135 North Dinuba Boulevard |
List updated as of May 19th, 2025.
Why CVS Is Closing California Stores in 2025
CVS Health launched a nationwide store reduction initiative in 2021 with a plan to close 900 underperforming locations over three years. In 2025, that effort continues with hundreds more closures—including at least 30 in California alone, spanning cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Pasadena, and Victorville. While this is part of a broader realignment, California has been a focal point due to its high operating costs, shifting demographics, and rapid adoption of digital health services.
Key Reasons Behind the California Closures
High Real Estate Costs and Urban Saturation: In major markets like San Francisco and Los Angeles, retail lease prices are among the highest in the country. CVS is closing sites in prime urban zones where multiple locations were previously clustered, allowing the company to reduce redundancy and operating expenses.
Declining In-Store Traffic: Many of the shuttered stores—including those in San Jose, Murrieta, and Azusa—experienced low foot traffic. California’s growing preference for digital-first solutions, curbside pickup, and mail-order delivery has made some traditional locations less essential.
Digital Health Expansion: California has one of the highest adoption rates for telehealth and digital pharmacy services. As more patients use tools like CVS.com, the CVS mobile app, and mail-order prescription programs, physical store demand—especially in tech-savvy regions like the Bay Area—has decreased.
Shift to Smaller, Community-Driven Formats: CVS is transitioning away from large, full-format retail stores and moving toward smaller neighborhood pharmacy models. These new stores are designed to fit more organically into communities, offering easier access to vaccinations, pharmacist consultations, and essential medications.
HealthHub and Primary Care Investments: Many California stores being closed are making way for newer builds that incorporate CVS’s HealthHub format or MinuteClinic services. These models focus on wellness and chronic care—especially relevant in areas with aging populations or underserved healthcare infrastructure.
Tailored Approach to California’s Diverse Regions: From dense urban centers to rural areas like the Central Valley, California presents varied healthcare needs. CVS is customizing its store network accordingly—closing locations that no longer align with local demand while reinforcing care in high-need zones.
Consumer Behavior Post-Pandemic: As in other parts of the U.S., Californians are shopping less frequently in-store and relying more on delivery and digital pharmacy tools. CVS leadership has emphasized that the company's strategy is to meet consumers “where they are”—increasingly, that means online.
Wider Industry Contraction: CVS is not alone. Walgreens and Rite Aid are also downsizing their physical footprints across California. Rite Aid’s recent bankruptcy has resulted in widespread closures, especially in the West, further reshaping the pharmacy retail landscape.
Other Options to Purchase Medications Instead of CVS
With CVS closing dozens of locations across California—including in cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Pasadena, and Victorville—many patients may face reduced access to in-person pharmacy services. For Californians in affected areas, especially those in pharmacy deserts or without nearby alternatives, reliable online and mail-order prescription services have become increasingly essential.
Among these options, Planet Drugs Direct stands out as the top choice for out-of-pocket savings. It’s especially valuable for uninsured individuals or those managing chronic conditions who need consistent, long-term access to affordable medications.
Provider | Key Features | Best For | Insurance Accepted |
CIPA-certified international pharmacy; up to 80% off U.S. retail prices; ships from abroad | Long-term meds, out-of-pocket savings | No | |
Wide selection of brand/generic drugs; Prime discounts; integrates with insurance | General prescriptions with insurance | Yes | |
Meds pre-sorted by day/time; auto-refills; delivered monthly | Chronic care and senior patients | Yes | |
Online refills and delivery; some drugs require in-store pickup | Insurance users with common prescriptions | Yes | |
Home delivery of maintenance and specialty drugs; includes support services | Employer or Medicare-linked plans | Yes | |
Virtual consults for hair loss, birth control, ED, mental health | Discreet care for men’s/women’s health | No | |
U.S.-licensed; low-cost preventive and chronic condition meds | Budget-conscious chronic care patients | Limited | |
Telehealth + prescriptions for anxiety, depression, and birth control | Fast care for specific conditions | No | |
Women’s health (STIs, birth control, migraines); regular delivery cycles | Ongoing women’s health needs | No | |
Drug price comparison and coupons for local/online pharmacies | Cash payers looking for the best deal | No (cash pricing) | |
Based in India; international shipping; large selection | Non-urgent medications | No |
List updated as of May 19th, 2025.
Why Choose Planet Drugs Direct?
Massive Savings: Get up to 80% off U.S. retail prices—ideal for those without insurance.
CIPA-Certified Safety: Verified by the Canadian International Pharmacy Association for consumer protection.
Great for Long-Term Needs: Ships large quantities (e.g., 90 or 100 tablets) for chronic conditions.
Available Nationwide: Delivers to all 50 U.S. states, including rural and underserved ZIP codes.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees, no insurance complexities—just consistent low-cost prescriptions.
Rely on PlanetDrugsDirect.com to Buy Online Prescription Drugs
As a trusted prescription referral service, we offer important benefits whenever you order online. Each of our partner pharmacies and/or government-approved dispensaries is committed to providing the best experience possible of any online prescription referral service on the internet. We offer:
Low prices
Quick turn-around times
Generic and brand-name medications
Unparalleled customer service
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