CVS, Walmart cutting pharmacy operation hours amid pharmacist shortage
CVS and Walmart are cutting down on pharmacy operation hours beginning this spring, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
About two-thirds of CVS retail pharmacies are adjusting hours in March.
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"As part of the regular course of business, we periodically review operating hours to make sure we're open during peak customer demand. From time to time, this may result in a shift in pharmacy hours," CVS said in a statement.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the shift in hours -- which will include cuts -- is due to a nationwide pharmacist shortage.
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Walmart also is reducing hours, The Wall Street Journal reported. Pharmacies there will begin to close at 7 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. in most Walmart stores.
A Walmart spokesperson told Drug Store News, "Walmart is committed to helping our associates live better. Walmart has a strong and incredible pharmacy team, and we are making this change to not only enhance their work-life balance but also to maintain the best level of service for our customers. This change is a direct result of feedback from our pharmacy associates and listening to our customers. By positioning our teams in the hours where our customers say they want to visit our pharmacy, we are better able to deliver excellent customer service and support our associates as they continue to serve their communities every day."