As a chain that has grown primarily through acquisitions in recent years, one would think CVS should have this whole store conversion and integration thing down. The company's current big project is remodeling 541 former Longs Drug Store locations into CVS pharmacies.
The company doesn't expect the changes to be too jarring to shoppers as it held onto 98 percent of the workers who had worked for Longs.
Changes that consumers can expect to find include lower shelves, wall-to-wall carpeting and MinuteClinics at many locations. The CVS loyalty card program is regarded as one of the best in the business and should be seen as an upgrade by former shoppers at Longs. The chain has also expanded its grocery section and added photo centers with computers to aid in retouching and doing special projects like creating greeting cards and calendars.
Discussion Questions: Has CVS's experience with Eckerd and now Longs made it more adept at the transitions involved in taking over another retailer? In your opinion, has the chain's emphasis on acquisitions hampered its organic growth in any way? Will CVS be a hit with Longs' shoppers?