A CVS store located at 3031 14th St. NW in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Northwest D.C. is set to close at the end of February, according to a company spokeswoman. The decision to close the store comes after persistent issues with shoplifting, leading to empty shelves. The closure is expected to take effect on February 29.
Prescriptions from the closing store will be transferred to the nearby location at 1755 Columbia Road NW, and the affected employees will be offered similar roles within the company, the spokeswoman stated. The shoplifting problem was acknowledged by CVS in October, where shoplifting rings specifically targeted the store, resulting in thefts that left shelves consistently bare.
Despite having a security guard during regular hours, the guard emphasized that their role prioritizes protecting customers and employees rather than pursuing shoplifters. In response to inquiries about the closure, the spokeswoman reiterated the factors influencing store closure decisions, including access to pharmacy services, local market dynamics, population shifts, and community store density.
CVS assured that it will maintain over 50 locations in D.C. and continue to provide outstanding service at these remaining locations. The decision to close this particular store appears to be a strategic move considering various factors, with the ongoing issue of shoplifting likely playing a role in the overall decision-making process.