CVS Testing App that Unlocks Cabinets

CVS Health (Woonsocket, R.I.) is trying out an updated version of its app that lets customers access goods that have been locked up in an anti-theft effort. The healthcare company said in a news release that that feature is being tested in “a handful of stores” (that’s three locales in New York and an expected 10 stores soon in West Coast stores, according to The New York Times) but offered no other details on it.

Despite that lack of information, the unlocking feature received widespread coverage in such publications as the Times and The Wall Street Journal. For example, the Journal headline and subhead read, “CVS Wants to Help You Spend Less Time in CVS: Superlong pharmacy lines and locked-up cabinets are among the areas the healthcare company is targeting with a new app.”

Other upgrades to the app include:

• Faster, easier in-store prescription pickups for consumers by using a personalized barcode to expedite checkout.
• A redesigned and personalized home screen that features a health “to-do” list and recommendations, including reminders to refill medications, updates on upcoming appointments and savings opportunities.
• Enhanced, AI-powered search that helps consumers locate products, services and information from across CVS Health and select third-party content providers.

“The app is the health concierge and guide for all consumers,” Tony Ambrozie, SVP and Chief Digital and Technology Officer, CVS Health Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness said in the news release. “With 60 million digital customers, we are excited to continue to innovate and bring best-in-class and first-in-industry capabilities to our customers.”

Like many other pharmacy chains, CVS has been downsizing its store fleet in recent years due to a variety of competitive and operational challenges, including theft. Currently, it has about 8700 stores, down about 900 over the past three years.