A new proprietary Drug Store Channel Shopper Insights Study from Acosta Group in the US highlights what consumers are shopping for in store and online. Products within personal care, household needs and grocery are in shoppers' physical and digital carts as much as items from drug/RX and pharmacy, the channel-leading categories.  

National drug store sales had already reached $53B by mid-February of 2023, reflecting the third consecutive year of growth with no slow down on the horizon, according to NielsenIQ, March 2023. The top three drug chains, Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid, contribute 87% of channel sales, with a total of over 20K stores, per Kantar, 2023.  

With channel growth credited to consumers' focus on health and wellness during the pandemic, drug stores have continued to drive traffic. According to shoppers, drug stores are favored over grocery stores, mass retailers and online for pharmacy and medical needs (64%), providing an easy, convenient experience (59%) and delivering a fast trip experience (53%).

"We heard repeatedly from drug store shoppers that convenient location, discounted pricing and one-stop shopping are appealing drivers in choosing drug stores over other retail options," said Kathy Risch, SVP, Consumer Insights and Trends at Acosta Group.

BRICK & MORTAR SHOPPING

Today, brick & mortar stores account for a majority of sales in the drug store channel. One in three shoppers live less than a mile from a drug store. Most belong to the retailers' loyalty programs, with a smaller percentage actively using the digital app.

Three categories represent the leading in-store purchases:     

• 71% of shoppers pick up prescriptions
• 70% shop the pharmacy area for non-prescription needs
• 69% shop for groceries, personal needs or other needs for themselves or their families, with candy, snacks and household items such as hair care, body care and paper products, as top buys

These are frequent shoppers, with 58% shopping drug stores two-to-three times monthly. This past year, one-third of younger shoppers have increased their number of store trips.

Signaling a continued focus on health and wellness, 33% of total drug store shoppers are also using in-store medical services more this year.

Key in-store benefits include:

• 57% of shoppers noted convenience
• 51% noted good promotions and sales – though this was less important to Gen Z and males
• 44% noted the ability to quickly shop for what they need

Shoppers said opportunities for improvement include adding more staff members, reducing out of stocks and improving the online ordering experience. 

Acosta Group's Drug Store Channel Shopper Insights Study was conducted from Feb. 14-23, 2023, with 1,134 primary household shoppers ages 18+ that are part of the company's proprietary Shopper Community.  

KEY LEARNINGS FOR RETAILERS  

Retailers will benefit from ensuring adequate staffing to maintain shoppers' preference for the channel's "quick trip" format. In addition, ensuring broad assortment, especially across HBC, and avoiding out-of-stocks will drive sales for non-pharmacy needs like grocery and personal care.

More can be done to leverage loyalty programs, digital apps and online shopping, encouraging shopper retention and engagement, and providing retailers' best customers the best promotions.

SOURCE: Acosta Group

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