CVS and Magalu's Shocking Business Gamble: Are They Winning the Ecosystem War? Find Out NOW!

Transforming a business into an ecosystem may not have a clear roadmap, but companies like CVS Health are taking significant strides by strategically leveraging their existing assets. Founded in 1963 in Massachusetts as the first Consumer Value Store, CVS Health has evolved into an expansive network that integrates care, coverage, and community across the healthcare landscape.

Currently, CVS Health operates over 9,000 pharmacy locations and owns Aetna, a health insurance provider covering approximately 30 million individuals. In addition, its MinuteClinic services, located in select CVS Pharmacy settings, position it as the largest retail healthcare provider in the United States. This extensive reach means that about one-third of the U.S. consumer population interacts with CVS at some point in their lives, according to Gui Serrano, the company’s assistant vice president for corporate strategy and development.

Serrano shared insights during a recent presentation at the NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show, emphasizing that the evolution of CVS Health into its current state was driven by a specific vision focused on the consumer. “There was a vision behind it,” he stated, underlining the importance of customer-centricity throughout the transformation process.

One of the key strategies employed by CVS Health has been through mergers and acquisitions. “A lot of what we did was through M&A,” Serrano explained. The company strategically acquired leading firms and integrated their strengths to create a cohesive ecosystem centered around the consumer. This approach involved establishing foundational elements before weaving together the "connective tissues" that link various services and products offered by CVS Health.

This transformation reflects a broader shift in perspective. Rather than viewing consumers as mere transactional entities, CVS Health approaches them as members, considering their lifetime value. This paradigm shift extends beyond customer interactions; it influences leadership and organizational structure throughout the company.

As CVS Health continues to expand its ecosystem, it signals a trend in the healthcare industry where integration and consumer-centric models are becoming increasingly vital. This strategic evolution not only enhances the consumer experience but also positions CVS Health to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of healthcare in America. By focusing on trust, affordability, accessibility, and efficiency, the company aims to solidify its role as a pivotal player in the health solutions space.

With the healthcare sector often criticized for its fragmented nature, CVS Health’s approach could serve as a blueprint for other organizations aiming to create similar ecosystems. The emphasis on building around the consumer's needs and preferences marks a significant shift from traditional business models, potentially laying the groundwork for a new era in healthcare delivery.