Advertisers’ push for a unified strategy across retail media, loyalty programs, and merchandising is raising the bar on data and transparency. Paul Lentz, executive director and head of strategic development at CVS Media Exchange, shares how new collaborations—from The Trade Desk to social platforms—can help brands see every ad dollar’s impact.

Retail pharmacy reputations continue to slide: Even though retail pharmacies are rated poorly by consumers, pharmacists are still trusted sources. Newer pharmacy models create opportunities for drugmakers to build closer ties with pharmacists.

In the increasingly crowded retail media space, hiring could be one strategy for networks to differentiate themselves from competitors.

Pharmacy deserts increase across the US, mostly in rural areas: More pharmacy closures are expected, which means medication access for many patients will worsen before it improves.

The news: CVS is experimenting with a new store format designed around its pharmacy services rather than front-of-store household items and snacks, according to a WSJ report.

Walgreens’ downfall as a publicly traded company ends with $10B take-private deal: We think Walgreens’ retail pharmacy will eventually get back on track. The company's aggressive push into healthcare delivery was its undoing.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the unofficial list of the most interesting retailers for the month of February. Each month, our analysts Arielle Feger, Becky Schilling, and Sara Lebow (aka The Committee) put together a very unofficial list of the top eight retailers they're watching based on which are making the most interesting moves: Who's launching new initiatives? Which partnerships are moving the needle? Which standout marketing campaigns are being created? In this month's episode, Committee members Analyst Arielle Feger and Senior Analyst Sara Lebow will defend their list against Vice President Suzy Davidkhanian and Senior Analyst Blake Droesch, who will dispute the power rankings by attempting to move retailers up, down, on, or off the list.

CVS gives investors hope for a better 2025: The key to satisfying Wall Street is to stabilize Aetna. Here’s how CVS plans to make it happen.

How the FDA’s approval of non-opioid pain pill could benefit pharma players: Pharmacies and drugmakers hope that the new treatment will help them avoid opioid-related legal issues in the future.

As retailers strive to improve in-store experiences and beef up loyalty programs, CVS is testing one stone for those two birds. As part of the recent revamp of its mobile app, CVS is letting loyalty program members use the retailer's app to access locked-up products in select stores.

CVS’ biggest healthcare moves in 2024: Eyeing a return to profitability for Aetna, the company prioritized cost-cutting measures and new leadership. We examine which of its health-focused moves could ultimately have the biggest impact on its bottom line.

Instacart, CVS, 7-Eleven see opportunity in in-store retail media: All three expanded ad capabilities in response to surging advertiser demand.

Is the retail health clinic business model dead? Our forecasts project fewer consumers will visit a retail clinic such as CVS or Walgreens every year through 2026. We detail why below.

For October’s Unofficial Most Interesting Retailers list, we’re looking at eight retailers hoping to escape the ghastly realm of spooky deserted shopping centers and zombie malls. Gap, Amazon Fresh, and Victoria’s Secret lead our trick-or-treat bag of comeback brands.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss why mega-pharmacies are struggling, why 7-Eleven is closing and opening a lot of stores, and what the new model of convenience will look like. Tune in to the discussion with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson and Senior Analysts Blake Droesch and Rajiv Leventhal.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss a special edition of the unofficial list of the retailers who have made a comeback (from the dead). This month, our analysts Arielle Feger, Becky Schilling, and Sara Lebow (aka The Committee) put together a very unofficial list of the top eight retailers who have most impressively come back from the brink, and how they did it. In this month's episode, Committee members Senior Analyst Sara Lebow and Senior Director of Content Becky Schilling will defend their list against Senior Analyst Sky Canaves and Principal Analyst Sarah Marzano, who will dispute the power rankings by attempting to move retailers up, down, on, or off the list.

Expanding into healthcare payments can help invigorate growth for BNPL players as user growth slows

Walmart rolls out same-day delivery for Rx, general items: The new service threatens struggling retail pharmacy chains, but we think Walmart’s main motivation is to capture customers for its membership program.

Walgreens to close 1,200 stores over the next 3 years: The retail pharmacy chain will be hyper-focused on its surviving stores turning a profit. Between a decline in the customer experience and more convenient options emerging, that won’t be easy.

CVS Health explores possible company breakup: A series of concurrent headwinds are impacting multiple sectors of CVS Health’s business, leading concerned investors to step in and try to force its hand.