Worcester, MA – Downtown Worcester is set to lose a key pharmacy location as CVS Pharmacy at 110 Front Street has confirmed it will be closing its doors on November 1st. The announcement, made on Monday evening, marks the end for a conveniently located store that served residents, downtown workers, and visitors in the heart of the city.
Located across from Worcester City Hall and within the Mercantile Center block, the CVS at Front Street was more than just a pharmacy; it functioned as a local convenience store for the downtown community. Its closure has sparked disappointment among regular customers who relied on it for everyday needs and prescription services.
Ilaa Torres, a local resident, expressed her dismay during a visit to the store on Tuesday morning. “I bring my grandmother here all the time for her medication,” she stated, highlighting the pharmacy’s importance for vulnerable individuals in the area. Guy Carter, another customer, echoed this sentiment, describing the Front Street CVS as “the closest thing to a local grocery store” for downtown dwellers. This sentiment underlines the store’s role in providing essential access to goods in an area that some perceive as lacking in easily accessible retail options.
The Front Street CVS has a history in Worcester’s downtown landscape. It was established in 2005 within the Worcester Common Outlets, a former indoor mall situated at the base of the Mercantile Center. Its current closure reflects a broader trend in retail and pharmacy operations.
CVS spokeswoman Amy Thibault explained the decision behind the closure, stating, “Maintaining access to pharmacy services in the communities we serve is an important factor we consider when making store closure decisions.” She further elaborated on the multifaceted considerations that led to this decision, including “local market dynamics, population shifts, a community’s store density, and ensuring there are other geographic access points to meet the needs of the community.” These factors suggest a strategic realignment of CVS’s store footprint based on evolving market conditions.
Customers of the Front Street CVS will have their prescriptions automatically transferred to the CVS Pharmacy at 400 Park Avenue. However, CVS has assured customers that they retain the flexibility to fill their prescriptions at any CVS location they choose. This aims to minimize disruption for patients who depend on consistent access to their medications.
In terms of employment, CVS has stated that all employees of the Front Street location are being offered comparable positions within the company. This commitment seeks to mitigate the impact of the closure on the store’s workforce.
Franklin Realty Advisors, the property owner of 110 Front Street, has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the future plans for the now-vacant retail space. The closure raises questions about the future of this prominent downtown location.
Notably, the Front Street CVS, like numerous other CVS stores across the nation, had implemented security measures to combat increasing shoplifting. Items such as toothbrushes and razors were placed under lock and key, reflecting the challenges faced by retail businesses in urban environments.
While some customers expressed sadness and concern, not all reactions were negative. Isaiah Caraballo, another customer interviewed at the store’s entrance, voiced his lack of disappointment, citing issues with the store’s clientele. This mixed reaction underscores the complex relationship between the store and different segments of the downtown community.
Despite the Front Street closure, Worcester still maintains several other CVS Pharmacy locations. These are situated on Park Avenue, Grafton Street, West Boylston Street, Lincoln Street, Stafford Street, Chandler Street, and Southwest Cutoff. The West Boylston Street location also offers a MinuteClinic, providing additional healthcare services.
The location of the closing CVS on Front Street and Commercial Street holds historical significance. It occupies a corner that was once home to the Brewer Building, which housed the Brewer Pharmacy. The Brewer Building, a landmark in its time, was demolished in 1967 as part of urban redevelopment projects in downtown Worcester. This historical context adds another layer to the narrative of change and evolution in Worcester’s downtown area.
Dennis Stephens, a special needs teacher in Worcester, also shared his perspective on the closure. He regularly brought his students to the Front Street CVS as part of life-skills training, teaching them about money management and budgeting. “We will miss it a lot,” Stephens commented, highlighting the store’s unexpected role in community education.
The closure of Cvs Front Street represents more than just a store closing; it signifies a shift in downtown Worcester’s retail landscape and raises questions about accessibility and convenience for its residents and workers. As the November 1st closure date approaches, the community will be adjusting to the absence of this once-familiar Front Street fixture.
