Target is ditching an element of its pharmacy business that is so iconic, it was once featured in New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
The retailer’s beloved red prescription bottles with color-coded rings have been scrapped as a result of CVS’s takeover of Target’s pharmacy business. And shoppers aren’t pleased.
The Associated Press spoke with customers who were pouring new medications into old Target perscription bottles.
Others have taken to Twitter to express their displeasure.
Short version: CVS bought Target pharmacies, replaced Best Pill Bottle Ever with Worst.
— Charles G Hill (@dustbury) September 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/sarah_lundberg/status/742845277585952769
In other news, I'm really upset that @CVS_Extra took over @Target pharmacy and got rid of their pill bottles. I want my red bottle back! 😭
— Ophea (@mistressophea) June 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/madeleroi/status/730052807022104576
One downside of @CVS_Extra takeover of @Target pharmacy: no more innovative pill bottle.
— Elias Kass (@DrDadSays) May 14, 2016
Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst with market researcher NPD Group, told the Associated Press that the switch may have convinced a small percentage of customers to shop elsewhere.
Despite the outrage and associated media coverage, it doesn't look like Target has any immediate plans to switch back to the old, iconic bottle.
http://instagr.am/p/BF9lFtyn9ZN
On Tuesday, the company replied to a disgruntled customer's tweet, saying the retailer is"currently looking at options for the next generation of prescription bottles to make medication adherence and instructions easier to understand for our patients."
Target did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.
Still, angry customers have continued to post about their outrage on social media.
Ever since @CVS_Extra took over @Target pharmacy, it's been a complete mess. The new pill bottles don't help either! #cvs #target
— Sheeba Khan (@sheeba_k5) September 28, 2016
bring back @Target pill bottles now.
— Shuttletrain_the humanity blog (@ShuttletrainTED) September 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/boringguy9/status/781260652614656000
CVS opened its first pharmacy inside a Target in February, followingCVS's $1.9 billion acquisition of Target's pharmacy business. At the time, many worried that decreased competition could lead tohigher prices for customers.