CVS/PHARMACY

In 2004 CVS completes its acquisition of 1, 268 Eckerd Stores and Eckerd Health Services, Eckerd’s PBM/Mail-order pharmacy business, increasing its store count to more than 5, 000 locations and becoming America’s leading pharmacy retailer. CVS/pharmacy announces entry into California. CVS ProCare becomes part of PharmaCare.In 2003 CVS celebrates its 40th anniversary, and announces its planned entry into the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. market. The company’s Extra Care loyalty card program ends the year with more than 44 million cardholders.In 2002 CVS/pharmacy continues to grow, announcing its plans to enter the Texas market with stores targeted for high-population-growth markets such as Dallas and Houston. Also in the plans — the company’s first locations in Phoenix and Las Vegas.