CVS closes 90 MinuteClinics for season

The country's largest operator of retail clinics has closed 90 clinics for the spring season, a move reflecting not only the pressures brought on by the brutal U.S. recession, but also the continued slowing of the retail clinic market.

MinuteClinic, which is operated by CVS Caremark, will continue to operate about 460 clinics. However, the 90 clinics being temporarily closed represent 16 percent of the company's locations. California and Florida are seeing a particularly large number of closures.

According to Merchant Medicine LLC, an analyst firm that follows the retail clinic business, this is the first time CVS Caremark has made such a move. Until now, every clinic has operated seven days a week throughout the year, notes CEO Tom Charland.

However, it's worth noting that MinuteClinic continues to open new locations in Massachusetts, which suggests that the current announcement may be as much about chasing pockets of demand as saving money.

To learn more about MinuteClinic's move:
- read this CNNMoney.com piece

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