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WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy is giving customers access to a three-dimensional, "virtual" store via a new application for the Apple iPad.
The drug chain said Monday that the CVS iPad app "brings to life" a digital drug store that customers can visit on the go or from home and quickly access pharmacy, ExtraCare, photo and MinuteClinic services, as well as browse their favorite departments to shop.
A free download from the iTunes Store, the app sports an interactive, user-friendly interface that relies on gesture-based movements native to tablet touchscreens, according to CVS.
Tapping on popular areas of the virtual CVS store from the home screen will launch mini apps for those departments or features, including the following:
• Pharmacy services: Customers can scroll through all their prescriptions and perform such tasks as scheduling refills and viewing prescriptions available for pickup. Caregivers also can manage prescriptions for themselves and their families, using native tablet functionality such as drag-and-drop, and easily sort by patient name, refill status and more. Patients can view prescription details instantly with zoom-in detail screens and scan in refills using the iPad camera (supported on iPad 3 and above).
• ExtraCare: Shoppers enrolled in CVS’ ExtraCare loyalty program can sign in to manage their savings and rewards by clicking the ExtraCare Coupon Center. The ExtraCare mini app allows visitors to check their balances or sign up for more ExtraCare programs such as Beauty Club, ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes and ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards. As in CVS’ brick-and-mortar stores, customers are encouraged to make the ExtraCare Coupon Center their first stop to get new coupons and personalized offers. On the CVS iPad app, they can view what offers are available with an easy rotating display and animations and then choose to send them directly to their ExtraCare card or print them.
• Weekly ad: Customers who seek deals or like to plan ahead can view the weekly circular for their preferred location by using the GPS locator or entering their ZIP code. They also can search the ad by category or brand, or search for a specific product and build shopping lists that can be shared.
• Catalog-style shopping: Users can shop and search the full CVS.com product catalog, sorted by category, as well as access weekly deals.
• Photo Center: App users can upload photos from their tablet camera roll to be printed for pickup the same day at a local CVS/pharmacy. Customers can also see other photo products available in-store.
MinuteClinic: Users can locate the nearest MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinic or access a informational resources on the types of services and minor illness exams offered, as well as check the kinds of insurance accepted.
CVS noted that the iPad app reflects its strategy to provide customers with a more personalized retail experience.
"CVS/pharmacy is committed to deploying new and emerging digital technologies that empower our customers on their path to better health," Brian Tilzer, senior vice president and chief digital officer at CVS/pharmacy, said in a statement. "The new CVS iPad app provides the millions of customers who visit CVS.com on a tablet device each month with a virtual feeling of visiting their neighborhood CVS/pharmacy from their home or on the go. Our app makes it unbelievably easy for customers to shop, fill prescriptions, manage their ExtraCare accounts and more through a highly personalized experience and 3D realism."
Plans call for CVS to add support for more tablet platforms in the coming months, as well as to continue to enhance the iPad app with new features.
