CVS Pharmacy is one of the most recognized retail chains in the United States, offering pharmacy services, health products, and convenient everyday items. While most CVS stores operate throughout the day without a full closure for lunch, some pharmacy departments within CVS locations may have specific lunch hours, especially in smaller towns or less busy branches.
Typically, the lunch hours apply only to the pharmacy counter, not the entire store. Most CVS stores themselves remain open during this period.
What Time Does CVS Pharmacy Close for Lunch?
In many CVS locations, the pharmacy lunch break usually occurs between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM, lasting about 30 minutes. During this time, the pharmacy counter may be temporarily closed, meaning prescription pick-ups, consultations, and other pharmacy-related services are unavailable.
However, store operations such as shopping for snacks, beauty products, or over-the-counter medications continue as normal.
Common CVS Pharmacy Lunch Hours:
| Day | Lunch Break Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | 30 Minutes |
| Saturday | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | 30 Minutes |
| Sunday | Varies by location | 30 Minutes |
Note: The exact lunch hours can vary depending on store size, staff availability, and local regulations.
Does Every CVS Have Lunch Hours?
Not all CVS pharmacies have the same schedule. 24-hour CVS locations or those with multiple pharmacists on duty may not close at all during lunch. But in smaller branches with a single pharmacist, the law often requires them to take a scheduled break, leading to a brief pharmacy closure.
If you need to pick up a prescription around lunchtime, it’s always best to call your local CVS in advance or check the CVS store locator for updated pharmacy hours.
CVS Store Hours vs. Pharmacy Lunch Hours
It’s important to differentiate between store hours and pharmacy hours:
- Store Hours: Usually 7 AM – 10 PM (some open 24 hours).
- Pharmacy Hours: Often shorter and include a lunch break between 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM.
So, even if the pharmacy section is closed for lunch, you can still shop for general merchandise throughout the store.
- CVS stores typically stay open all day.
- Only the pharmacy counter may close for 30 minutes, commonly from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM.
- Lunch hours differ by location and staffing.
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Customers can still shop in the store during pharmacy lunch breaks.