Walgreens and CVS Try to Fix America’s Flailing Pharmacies
May 17, 2024
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Guests Jim Ellis, Katie Thomas, and Dana D’Auria discuss struggles of pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS amidst inflation, competition, and innovation. Topics include health and wellness initiatives, consumer responses to inflation, and investment strategies in uncertain markets.
Pharmacies are revamping layouts to enhance health and wellness offerings amid declining profits.
Consumer shift to online platforms challenges traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies in a competitive market.
Deep dives
Pharmacy Profit Margins Declining at Major Chains
Pharmacy profit margins are decreasing at major chains like CBS and Walgreens, leading to financial struggles. One key issue for drugstores is the declining profitability of front-of-store retail items due to increasing competition and inflation. As more people opt for online retailers like Amazon or Walmart for cheaper products, drugstores are losing revenue from both prescription pickups and retail sales.
Challenges Faced by Pharmacies and Potential Solutions
Pharmacies are facing challenges such as long lines, understaffing, and chaotic environments, impacting customer experience. To address these issues, pharmacies are exploring innovative solutions like placing the pharmacy at the front of the store for easier access, using kiosks for quicker service, and incorporating technology to streamline the process. This shift aims to enhance customer convenience and improve the overall pharmacy experience.
Impact of Changing Consumer Habits on Pharmacies
Changing consumer habits, including increased preference for online shopping and delivery services, pose a risk to traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Consumers' shift towards online pharmacies and other retailers for drug purchases challenges the traditional pharmacy business model. The convenience and variety offered by online platforms are attracting consumers away from traditional pharmacy chains.
Inflation, Consumer Behavior, and Discretionary Spending
The inflation rate, although slowing, continues to impact consumer behavior and spending patterns. Consumers are prioritizing spending on essential items like food and gas, while adjusting their discretionary spending on items such as travel. Understanding consumer perceptions of inflation and discretionary spending is crucial for businesses to adapt their strategies and offerings to meet changing consumer demands.
Watch Carol and Tim LIVE every day on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF. Bloomberg Businessweek Assistant Managing Editor Jim Ellis discusses the Businessweek Magazine story about Walgreens and CVS emphasizing health and wellness with new layouts to boost sagging performance. Katie Thomas, Head of the Kearney Consumer Institute, shares her insights on how consumers are dealing with inflation. And we Drive to the Close with Dana D’Auria, Co-CIO of Envestnet. Hosts: Tim Stenovec and Sonali Basak. Producer: Paul Brennan.