Covid vaccinations offer CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid a chance to showcase how drugstores have changed

Covid vaccinations offer CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid a chance to showcase how drugstores have changed

Store signs from CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens stores.Getty ImagesCVS Health, Walgreens and Rite Aid are getting ready to administer Covid vaccinations in the months ahead, and this effort will give the three largest drugstore chains a chance to show off the work that's been underway to revamp their businesses and respond to huge changes in consumer behavior.The three drugstores have long been places where Americans stock up on shampoo, refill prescriptions and browse the aisles for a cold or flu remedy. During the pandemic, however, many of the driving forces behind drugstore trips faded. More purchases were made online. Fewer people have needed to buy over-the-counter cold and flu medications, as they wear face masks and social distance. Some have skipped doctor's appointments, leading to fewer new prescriptions to fill.For the companies, Covid vaccines offer an opportunity to reach new customers. CVS and Walgreens are administering shots at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and plan to finish the first round by Jan. 25. All three chains plan to offer the shots at their stores, when they're available, which could boost vaccine-related revenue and drive foot traffic that leads to other purchases. These trips will be a