Retail Clinics Market - Forecasts from 2023 to 2028

The retail clinics market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.64% during the forecast period.

A retail clinic is a walk-in clinic that is situated in retail establishments such as supermarkets, department stores, malls, and grocery stores. These clinics are open to the public without an appointment. The growing prevalence of communicable diseases and common ailments is expected to boost the retail clinic market. Moreover, the higher cost of primary care hospitals as compared to retail clinics coupled with technological advancements and awareness campaigns are further contemplated to propel the retail clinics market size.

Alternative for High-Cost Hospital Visits

Several people around the globe don’t have access to health insurance plans for several reasons. The benefit of retail clinics in cost reduction is expected to drive the retail clinics market. For instance, nearly 8% of Americans, or about 26.1 million people, did not have health insurance at any point in 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Healthcare is an out-of-pocket expense for many in this group and may result in significant medical debt. These folks seek accessible, inexpensive healthcare, and retail clinics provide one such choice. The retail clinics cost less as compared to the hospitals particularly if people need care for minor ailments.

Growing Prevalence of Communicable Diseases

According to Harvard Health Publishing, for minor ailments like flu vaccination or a sore throat, going to a retail clinic is acceptable, especially if a person is typically healthy. The growing prevalence of minor health problems is expected to boost the retail clinic market. In the year 2020, more than 1 billion people were treated for at least one of the five neglected tropical diseases (NTD) as per the WHO. Communicable illnesses not only result in a high number of fatalities and suffering, but they also impede social and economic advancement and can be a danger to global health security. The rising cases of communicable diseases along with their adverse effects are expected to bolster the retail clinics market.

Multiple Awareness and Technological Initiatives

The initiatives by the company engaging in the retail clinics market increase awareness among people thereby boosting the retail clinics market. For instance, a new campaign – ‘’A World of Care is In-Store’’ was launched by Kroger Health in January 2023 to focus on how customers can take advantage of credible health services in their hometown grocery store. Moreover, online retail clinics are coming into the market boosting the retail clinics market. For instance, Amazon launched an online clinic named Virtual Care Service Amazon Clinic in November 2022 to provide a prescription for common health problems such as asthma, acne, allergies, and more.

Opportunities in the Market

Several growth factors provide an immense opportunity in the retail clinics market. The retail clinics can integrate the concept of value-added work and digital capabilities to maintain consistency and quality care to the patients. According to the new Fair Health Datain 2021, the usage of retail health clinics increased by 51% from the 2020-2021 period which is significantly more than urgent care centers. Moreover, around 92% of patients adopting retail clinics attributed convenience as a major factor as per the CVS 2022 Health Care Insights Study. These figures along with the technological advancements and expansion show the adoption of retail clinics and thereby provide an opportunity in the retail clinics market in the coming years.

Restraints in the Market

Apart from the growth factors, there are some disadvantages of retail clinics that are expected to limit the retail clinics' market growth. Some of the problems are that people take services from multiple retail clinics and then if they don’t bring a complete medication list, the chances are that the doctor at the retail clinic may prescribe something that can interact with the prior medication. Moreover, the problem for older and younger people varies with the degree of adverse effects. In this case, the need for primary care doctors is necessary to catch the bigger issues behind minor ailments. These cons along with the quick consultation and lack of follow-ups by most of the retail clinics are further contemplated to limit the retail clinics' market growth.

North America is an expected Dominant Market

The North American region is anticipated to hold a significant share of the retail clinics market during the forecasted period. Various factors attributed to such a share are growing cases of minor ailments and the higher cost of healthcare services at primary care hospitals. Moreover, the presence of retail clinics market leaders such as Walgreens, Walmart Inc., and Rite Aid Corporation in the region further propels the retail clinics market.

Retail Clinics Market Players

• Walmart Inc.provides healthcare through the Walmart Health platform which consists of independent physicians and dental practices. Moreover, the company has partnered with UnitedHealthcare to provide virtual urgent care visits for members. Apart from the medical, dental, and behavioral services, the company also provides X-rays, diagnostic lab tests, hearing services, and immunizations.
• Walgreens Co.was the first company in the US to start the concept of retail clinics. Recently, in October 2022, the company released research findings that patients getting treatment from community-based pharmacies have higher adherence to Immunosuppressant Medications and lower inpatient hospitalization costs.

Key Market Developments

• In January 2023,Dollar General launched health clinics in partnership with DocGo to enable basic healthcare services. The launch has been done under the Wellbeing initiative by the company to enable quick, and easy health visits right outside the store.
• In March 2023,Walmart Health announced the opening of 28 new Walmart Health Centers in 2024 to exceed a total of 75 centers. Additionally, the company announced to launch of Walmart Health Centers in two states namely Missouri and Arizona for the first time.
• In October 2021,AkosMD Healthcare launched the first automated retail clinic in the Delhi NCR region of India. It is designed to enable telemedicine services for doctors, insurance players, clinics, and hospitals. Moreover, patients can access the majority of their medical needs in one-patient portal.

Segmentation:

By Ownership

• Retail
• Hospital
• Others

By Application

• Clinical Chemistry and Immunoassay
• Vaccination
• Point Of Care Diagnostics
• Others

By End-Users

• Store
• Mall
• Hospitals
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Others