Remembering People’s Drug (Now CVS)

“I’m never going to stop calling it Peoples.”

– a bunch of people who call it CVS now

Don’t worry. Many people said the same thing when CVS announced the changing of a name that had been around the area for nearly 90 years. When the CVS corporation bought the drugstore chain in 1990, they remodeled stores to the CVS format that CVS was already operating in other parts of the Northeast and increased sales before making the decision to change the name four years later in 1994. The 270 Peoples stores already changed their look, so when the name change occurred four years later…the only thing that changed was the sign on the door.

CVS, which was a division of Rye, Nee York-based retail giant Melville Corp., was already operating 900 drugstores in the Northeast under the CVS name– which stands for Convenience, Value, Service. Initially, CVS stood for Consumer Value Stores. At the time of the change, The Peoples name been had been in use since the chain was founded in 1905 in Washington D.C.

Peoples Drug was founded by Malcolm Gibbs in 1905 at 824 7th Street, NW. By 1930, it had 110 stores operating under the People Drugs, Days Dryg, and Shearer Drug names. There were variation of the name, with Peoples Service Drug, and Gibbs Peoples Drug being the most common. According to the Washington Post, in 1970, Peoples had 252 stores operating in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, New York, and New Jersey. That year there were 5,500 employees, with sales of $220 million and profits of $1.87 million.

Later in the year, the chain was purchased by Lane Drug of Toledo, Ohio. Lane Drug’s President, Sheldon “Bud” Fantle, Took over presidency of the chain And helped the expansion continue until Peoples was acquired by the Canadian conglomerate Imasco for $320 million in 1984 (in 1987 Bud Fantle left Peoples and went on to take control of the struggling Dart Drugs, which also had stores in our area).

In late 1990, CVS Corporation purchased Peoples for $330 Million. At this point, Peoples had nearly 300 stores. The previously mentioned changes to the stores’ layout were made with CVS deciding to hold on to the name for the time being. The decision to change the name was made after CVS surveyed Peoples’ customers and found that 90% of those polled said they would be less bothered by a change than CVS officials thought. In May of 1994, just months before Peoples 90th anniversary, the change was made.

CVS Pharmacy is currently the largest pharmacy chain in the United States in terms of number of locations (over 9,600 as of 2016) and total prescription revenue. It’s parent company, CVS Health, ranks as the fifth largest U.S. corporation by FY2020 revenues in the Fortune 500.

 

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Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

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The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

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