WOONSOCKET, R.I. – Drugstore chain CVS is expanding its assortment of healthier foods and beverages to more than 2,900 stores nationwide. Throughout the year, 100 stores each week are being enhanced with a carefully curated selection of national and niche better-for-you brands that make healthier eating more convenient and affordable, especially on-the-go. The initiative began in 2015 with a 500-store pilot.
“Since becoming the first and only national pharmacy chain to end the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products, the No. 1 thing we’ve heard from our customers is the desire for healthier food options,” said Judy Sansone, senior vice president of front store business, in a press release. “This year, we are continuing to expand the assortment, volume and shelf space dedicated to better-for-you foods and snacks offered in our stores nationwide to make healthier snacking easier and more convenient for our customers.”
This spring, more than 250 fresh, refrigerated and non-perishable healthy foods and beverages have hit shelves at CVS stores around the country from brands such as Amy’s Kitchen and Krave Jerky; as well as new products from the chain’s propriety Gold Emblem Abound brand, which is free from artificial preservatives, flavors and colors.
In addition to the 2,900 CVS stores stocking a wide assortment of healthy foods by the end of 2016, another 360 stores will receive significant additional enhancements to the layout of food, beauty and over-the-counter health products. The new store layouts have a broader assortment of better-for-you foods in an expanded refrigerated section and more prominent displays of healthy foods and grab-and-go snacks, making healthy snacking more convenient.
Beginning this summer, roughly 25% of front checkout space, traditionally occupied by candy, gum and mints, will be dedicated to better-for-you snacks. Niche products that support trending dietary preferences including paleo, raw and vegan are also taking the spotlight in select CVS locations throughout the year. Initial trends include paleo displays. Next, raw food products will be showcased throughout the summer, while in the fall a vegan showcase of products will be available in select locations.
Healthy deals of the week and personalized email offers serve as reminders that making healthier choices can be affordable. The company’s Fit Choices shelf tagging program also helps customers identify foods that fit nutritional and dietary preferences.