CVS Launching Prescription Delivery Service

CVS operates 10,000 stores across the nation, and in most of those markets, customers will soon be able to receive their prescription drugs orders in one to two days after placing them. In some urban market, customers will be able to receive their orders on the same day.

“The rollout of delivery from nearly all of our 9,800 retail pharmacy locations nationwide represents another step forward for us in delivering innovative omnichannel solutions that help people on their path to better health,” says CVS Pharmacy’s President Kevin Hourican.

While CVS claims it’s rolling out the new delivery service to better serve its customers, industry experts say the chain is doing it to stay ahead of Amazon. Rumors that the Seattle-based e-commerce giant has plans to enter the prescription drug space put retailers on edge. However, its lack of action has given them time to prepare and act.

CVS’s prescription delivery program will test whether patients are willing to wait for their medication in exchange for convenience of delivery. They’ll have to pay for the convenience, too. CVS will charge $4.99 for orders to be filled and delivered in one or two days. For same-day delivery, the company will charge $8.99.

[AUTHOR’S NOTE: When I had bronchitis earlier this year, I would have paid 10 times that amount to have my antibiotics and cough syrup delivered right to my door. What about you? Email me at [email protected] to share your opinion.]

Customers can place their orders online, through the CVS app or over the phone. They’ll also be able to add over-the-counter products like cold and flu medicines, vitamins and baby or feminine care products.

Last year, CVS announced a $69-billion merger with health insurer Aetna.

For questions, comments or concerns, please contact Jennifer Duell Popovec