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.

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.

Pinterest launches AI-powered tools: Advertisers can now create engaging visuals and reduce costs, aligning with industry-wide shifts toward generative AI solutions.

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.

Nearly 1 in 4 grocery dollars will go to private labels by 2030: Store brands are gaining popularity as shoppers seek value and CPGs cut back on innovation.

Retail marketers should focus on brand marketing to combat consumers’ desire for value. That was the main theme from General Mills, Nike, Levi’s, and more brands’ recent earning calls. Oh, and if you can get Beyonce to name a song after your brand, even better.

Consumers are using the internet and social media to a great extent for healthcare purposes. Here’s what healthcare and pharma marketers need to know about how online-acquired information influences patient action.

Dollar stores and off-price retailers set to once again dominate store openings in 2024: Economic uncertainty continues to fuel expansion opportunities for budget retailers.

Here’s how ad buyers ranked the retail media networks of 14 leading CPG-focused retailers—including Ahold Delhaize, Albertsons, Amazon, Costco Wholesale, CVS, Instacart, Kroger, Target, and Walmart—according to the attributes they value most.

Walmart expands in-store retail media opportunities: The big-box retailer is giving advertisers more opportunities to reach physical shoppers with digital screens, audio ads, and sampling.

Walmart was the biggest US retailer by US sales in 2022 with nearly $500 billion in sales, more than double the size of runner-up Amazon, according to the National Retail Federation.

Big retailers are accumulating assets from across the healthcare ecosystem. This includes adding pharmacy and health insurance capabilities, as well as provider services such as home health, telehealth, primary, specialty, and urgent care.

Walgreens attempts to cut down on retail theft: By putting most products behind counters, the retailer is also increasing the burden on store associates.

Retail health clinic use soared during the pandemic: We examine what drove growth and forecast the future of retail clinic utilization.

Walgreens’ US healthcare segment is on the path to profit: Retail health investments take center stage as COVID-19 vaccinations plummet.

Wing has big ambitions for drone delivery: The Alphabet-owned company aims to handle millions of orders within the next 12 months as it expands how the technology is used.

Which companies are and aren’t threatening health systems? Incumbent providers should be keeping tabs on retail and tech conglomerates instead of telehealth-focused players.

Big retail players jockey for healthcare positioning: We look back at noteworthy advancements made by retail health companies this year and how the top players stack up going into 2023.

Healthcare predictions we got right for 2022: As we expected, the lines between healthcare and retail blurred, and consumers cozied up with connected health devices. We detail other predictions we got right for the year.