Penutupan Massal Toko Obat di AS dan Kekhawatiran Banyaknya "Gurun Farmasi"

Summary

Walgreens has announced the closure of 1,200 stores in the next three years, reflecting a broader trend among drugstores struggling with profitability. Consumers are increasingly turning to online shopping and discount retailers for convenience, impacting sales of traditional pharmacies. CVS is also closing 900 stores after restructuring due to similar challenges. The concept of 'pharmacy deserts' is emerging, particularly in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, where access to medications is becoming limited. Major retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Amazon are stepping in to fill the gap, as they can better absorb losses from less profitable pharmacy operations.

Takeaways

• 🏬 Walgreens has announced the closure of 1,200 stores in the next three years.
• 💊 Drugstores have become less relevant as consumers shift to online shopping and other retailers for convenience.
• 📉 CVS is also facing challenges, closing 900 stores and undergoing restructuring after significant losses.
• 🏪 The COVID-19 pandemic has led to rising costs for non-drug items, affecting profitability.
• ❓ There is a concern about creating 'pharmacy deserts,' akin to 'food deserts,' in areas with limited access to pharmacies.
• 🌍 Pharmacy deserts are likely to emerge in predominantly Black and Hispanic communities.
• 📉 Major retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Amazon are entering the pharmacy space, impacting traditional drugstores.
• 🤝 Larger companies can absorb losses better due to their scale and financial strength.
• 💰 Partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and health insurers are becoming less profitable.
• 📺 The report highlights the ongoing transformation in the retail pharmacy landscape due to these challenges.

Q & A

What recent announcement did Walgreens make regarding its stores?

Walgreens announced the closure of 1,200 stores over the next three years.

What factors have contributed to the decline of drugstores like Walgreens?

Drugstores have increasingly become less relevant as consumers can now purchase many items online or at various retailers, including dollar stores.

How has the pandemic affected the profitability of drugstores?

The pandemic has led to significant changes in consumer behavior, resulting in many products being less profitable for drugstores.

What other pharmacy chains have faced similar challenges to Walgreens?

CVS has also struggled with profitability, closing 900 stores and undergoing restructuring after filing for bankruptcy.

What is meant by 'pharmacy deserts'?

Pharmacy deserts refer to areas that have limited access to pharmacies, similar to food deserts where access to supermarkets is minimal.

Which demographic areas are most affected by pharmacy deserts?

Pharmacy deserts in the U.S. tend to occur in areas with majority Black or Hispanic populations.

Why are larger retailers like Walmart and Amazon expanding into pharmacy services?

Larger retailers can absorb losses better than traditional pharmacies, which allows them to offer pharmacy services more competitively.

What financial pressures are affecting the drugstore industry?

The drugstore industry is facing pressures from lower profit margins in their partnerships with drug manufacturers and health insurance companies.

What role does convenience play in the decline of traditional drugstores?

As consumers prioritize convenience, they prefer to shop online or at other retail locations for products previously bought at drugstores.

What has been the overall impact of these changes on drugstore chains in the U.S.?

These changes have resulted in significant store closures and a shift in how consumers access pharmacy services.