Store that was heralded as a boon to part of Wichita is now closing

When CVS entered the Wichita market in 2013, the CVS that opened at Central and Oliver was particularly heralded as being a boon for that part of Wichita.

Now, the store is closing.

A representative confirmed in an e-mail that the Rhode Island-based chain “made the difficult decision to close” that store as of Sept. 24.

“Store closure decisions are based on several factors, including population shifts, consumer buying patterns, store and pharmacy density, pharmacy care access, and community health needs,” the representative wrote. “We’re focused on ensuring we have the right kinds of stores and the right number of stores in the right locations.”

All prescriptions will be transferred to the CVS at Harry and Hillside, and employees are being offered jobs at other CVS stores.

The representative said no other CVS store “closures are planned in the Wichita area this year.”

This CVS had been part of a Wichita Community Improvement District.

CIDs allow businesses to charge customers up to 2% in sales tax to pay for construction, parking lots, landscaping, lighting, art and other projects. The tax goes away when the maximum reimbursement is reached, which varies by project.

It’s not clear how much this store collected in the time it was open. A city spokeswoman is checking on that, so look for an update here.

There are seven CVS stores that remain in the Wichita area, including some inside Targets.

This story was originally published August 18, 2025 at 11:27 AM.