Berlin’s beloved CVS Pharmacy shuts down after 15 years of service
The CVS Pharmacy in Berlin’s Britz neighbourhood closed its doors in January, leaving loyal customers without their trusted local service. The shutdown was not caused by a drop in footfall but by mounting financial pressures, including a steep rent hike and rising personnel costs. The pharmacy had been a staple in the area since 2009, operating under the CVS brand. For years, it served as a dependable point of contact for residents in Neukölln. However, the lease on the Buschkrugallee premises was due to expire, and renewed terms proved financially unworkable. Rising rents played a key role in the decision to close. Owner Holger Thomas confirmed that the increased costs would have made continuing operations unsustainable. On top of this, personnel expenses kept climbing, adding to the financial strain. Structural changes in local healthcare, including unresolved succession plans for a nearby medical practice, further reduced the location’s long-term viability. In its final days, customers showed their appreciation, bringing farewell gifts to the staff. The closure left employees needing to find new positions, while regulars now face the task of locating alternative pharmacies. The Britz location has since been absorbed into the nearby Britz-Apotheke at the same address, now under different management. The closure reflects broader challenges in Germany’s pharmacy sector, where many businesses have struggled to remain profitable amid rising costs and shifting local conditions.
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