Malfunctions Delay Launch of CVS Curbside Pick-Up Service

On the eve of its launch, CVS shut down its new curbside pick-up service due to malfunctions. The new system, created with startup Curbside, was supposed to launch at 4,000 CVS locations nationwide yesterday. However, in a statement to The Boston Globe, CVS Director of Communications Erin Pensa said the app was so popular during the soft launch that products quickly became back-ordered, which slowed down the system significantly. No word yet on when the rescheduled launch date for the service will be.

Total Retail's Take: CVS made the right move. It's better to push the launch date than to introduced a flawed product. CVS has made lots of strides this year to further earn an omnichannel reputation. And, without a doubt, the retailer is feeling pressure from e-commerce giant Amazon and other online outlets to deliver an omnichannel experience and same day — even hourly — services. Honestly? I'm still excited the company switched to digital receipts and we'll no longer be receiving those infamously long paper receipts.