For our first post, let's start simple. CVS #3294 started it's life as Eckerd #2039, built in 2001 to replace Eckerd #84 in the Palm Bay Center plaza across the intersection. Before Eckerd, this plot was home to a Scotty's Hardware, this store being an early casualty before the chain's total collapse in 2005.
This store, like the rest, converted quickly to CVS after their 2004 purchase of all of Eckerd's Florida locations. While it's otherwise been completely repainted, it does retain one relic that's only visible from the sky.
While CVS was fairly thorough, I guess they figured it was just a waste of money to repaint what you couldn't see, and so many former Eckerds retain a blue stripe on the edge of the roof.
These Drive-Thru Pharmacy signs are original to it's Eckerd days, however the inserts have been replaced at some point, as while these are very similar, the text on the Eckerd versions had blue text, not red. However, it's still been here since 2004, and shows the fading to match.
Also incredibly faded is this advertising for CVS' ExtraCare rewards card, which has been completely wiped away except for the outline and the "pays you back" slogan. I'm not sure what would have been in this slot when Eckerd occupied the space.
In a small, newly added cart coral outside is the fleet of smaller-sized CVS carts, all of which are newer carts, no earlier than 2007. Unlike Rite Aid conversions to the north, there are no Eckerd stragglers in the fleets around here.
Finally swinging inside, we take an overview shot of the entire store. Little remains from Eckerd here, save for the trademark diagonal walls along the back, which have been retained in most remodels. The carpet comes from CVS (Eckerd had tile) and I believe the lighting fixtures have been replaced as well.
The beverages in this store are contained in a mismatched, rather dated looking set of coolers along the side of the store.
This Kodak kiosk is rather dated, as you can see the "Real Pictures. Real Easy." sticker has even faded, despite being inside the store. If I remember, it wasn't even functional during my visit.
Further illustrating the age of the Kodak kiosk, is that it's window sign advertises both digital *and* film printing/processing. I don't believe this is an Eckerd remnant however, as Eckerd was very proud of their in-house UltraLab processes, and I imagine they wouldn't have just slotted in a Kodak kiosk.
This ends our first post here at Eckerd Preservation. These photos came from my own photoset taken in July of 2018. Hopefully you enjoyed! And see you next time
