As the population ages, technology grows and consumer behaviors across all ages and demographics evolve, healthcare retailers, suppliers and providers recognize that they are not immune to change. Attendance at the recent National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Total Store Expo exceeded expectations and far surpassed last year, indicating that one, business is back after the COVID years, and two, the healthcare retail industry is hungry for innovation, new products and services — and new ways to deliver those to consumers.
Here are some of the key trends and hot topics facing the healthcare industry, according to Tom Moran, vice president of beauty, health and wellness, Advantage Solutions, whose team represents healthcare product companies and works with retail drug chains and pharmacies.
Innovation, Self-Care, and the Future of Health Retail
- Healthcare is becoming self-care.Consumers now expect health solutions that meet them where they are — at home, on demand, and online. Moran highlights the shift toward convenience, like telemedicine and monthly service subscriptions, as drivers of transformation in the space.
- Aging in place.As Baby Boomers choose to remain in their homes, there’s growing interest in tools and support systems that allow families to care for aging loved ones while preserving comfort, independence and dignity.
- Food as medicine.Brands and retailers are recognizing that access to nutritious food is a powerful tool in disease prevention. The food-as-medicine movement is gaining traction as health and retail strategies continue to merge.
- Closing the gender gap.The industry is being called to address disparities in women’s health—from limited funding for PMS to the lack of mainstream conversations around menopause and sexual wellness.
- AI and emerging technologies.Retailers are turning to AI for supply chain innovation, performance analytics, and better customer understanding. Moran explains that while many companies are still catching up, those who adopt AI now will lead the next phase of health retail.
These developments reflect broad consumer and retail industry trends that are reshaping how healthcare products and services are brought to market.
Moran sees them as major opportunities for Advantage’s healthcare business:
“Our role in the industry is to look at all of these trends and data points and help guide our clients to the right future.”
