CVS

Come to this store with an observant eye! If you are interested in how corporate planning and market testing is from an outsider's eye, this should one of three locations within a square mile to visit.

Of course, these are all observations from an outsider's eye, but it is cool to notice all the qualities of this store!

The store parking lot is next to what looks to be a hip restaurant ready to serve customers in a seasonal accommodation. The parking lot is clean, and upon entering the store, is the same. Employees seem to be well taken care of because they seem happy.

There is a cool technology on the drink cooler doors that act as smart screens. It displays advertisements from a distance, but once you come close, it shows pictures of the drinks available so you can open the covered cooler and take it out. There is no way to tell if the drink is in there until the door is opened. This seems to be an interesting tech that is being tested close to CVS headquarters.

Another fascinating observation is that the Tide Pods that are located on the other side of the candy aisle. While the Tide Pod Challenge is a few years old, the visual representation does make them look like candy. They are located high enough that a child would not be able to reach for them, mistaking them for candy. The store's proximity to CVS headquarters makes for a unique story to tell, though.

What makes this store part of a larger, grander tour is how close this store is to another CVS and their headquarters. CVS is one of the country's largest companies, with their headquarters located down the road in a sprawling office park. You can see electrical grid infrastructure in the office park and it has safe walkability for pedestrians during off-peak commuter times.

This store, and headquarters, are 2/3 of the grand tour. For the last 1/3, I recommend heading to a CVS a mile to the west and in the city of Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Observe the difference in the two stores, as Woonsocket is a city that is struggling to reach it's full potential, due to a number of economic and demographic factors. Look at the way the store is organized and planned out. Does there seem to be a difference in the energy of the employees and the cleanliness of the store?

Remember that a single store is not a significant impact in the dynamics of a potential city. However, to get a good picture of how money, and power, may flow through corporate structures is to see all 3 of these things in close proximity.

I would love to hear your analysis and critique in a response below! Your observations will come from your own experience, education, and background. I wish you a wonderful visit here!

And don't forget the natural beauty of the Blackstone River, it is right down the road.

Whent to this store this morning. Krista who works in the pharmacy is truly an asset to the CVS corporation. She definitely went above and beyond today and I can't thank her enough. She deserves a big raise. The entire pharmacy staff this morning all had a smile on there face and were definitely working as a team. A rarity at most retail stores that are all understaffed. Thank you again!

I frequently(2-3 x/week) run to the Woonsocket CVS on my way to visit my grandchildren.I’ve always been impressed with the people working there and how quickly I get checked out at the register. My local (Milford, MA) CVS seems to always have a long line and more often than not, there’s some kind of problem at the register when you finally reach the counter.

Very nice store, clean and very good place to shop. The employees are all so very polite and sweet and kind. Even the pharmacy team are awesome! I truly enjoy going too this CVS.

Clean friendly accommodating staff. CVS is the best pharmacy and store in my opinion in woonsocket R.I..

It's a nice cvs

Used the Minute Clinic!

Always nice and helpful

CVS is great. Shop local.

Clean and good selections

Has almost everything I need, just a bit to pricey for my liking.

Great staff here and the store was nice and clean. Overpriced items...