CVS location in Staten Island Mall is shuttered permanently - SILive.com

STATEN ISLAND, NY -- Staten Island Mall shoppers who have relied on the convenience of an on-site CVS for decades have expressed confusion this holiday season, after the national health and beauty chain unexpectedly closed the doors of its longstanding location on Thanksgiving weekend.

"We made the difficult business decision to close the CVS Pharmacy store located at 2655 Richmond Ave. in Staten Island on Nov. 27," noted Matt Blanchette, manager of retail communications for the CVS Pharmacy brand. "We understand the disappointment of our closing store's neighbors and customers. We are committed to Staten Island and will continue to provide the community with outstanding service at our other stores nearby."

Stating that the closure of this store is "not a reflection of the hard work and dedication of local CVS employees," noting that all workers transitioned into comparable roles at other nearby CVS locations, the company did not comment on whether this closure comes as a result of the brand's recent decision to close more than 900 stores over the next three years.

Shifting its efforts to digital growth and turning its stores into destinations that will offer a range of health-care services — from flu shots to diagnostic tests — the company announced in early November that it is closing stores due to a major change in their customers' shopping habits. But closures as part of this new focus aren't supposed to start until spring 2022.

A sign directs CVS shoppers to the brand's nearest location after the store closed its doors in the Staten Island Mall. (Staten Island Advance)Staten Island Advance

"Our retail stores are fundamental to our strategy and who we are as a company," said Karen S. Lynch, president and CEO of CVS Health when the closures were first announced. "We remain focused on the competitive advantage provided by our presence in thousands of communities across the country, which complements our rapidly expanding digital presence."

Jim Easley, general manager of the Staten Island Mall, located in New Springville, noted that while the store was "doing fine," the lease was expiring — which may have contributed to the company's decision to close.

The closure comes on the heels of a difficult stretch for national retailers in the borough. In 2020, fueled by coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic woes, Staten Island lost 8.5% of its chain stores. It's a decline that is expected to continue into 2022, according to The Center for an Urban Future, as the national retail market continues to experience unprecedented contraction due to coronavirus restrictions and a struggling economy.