The drug channel reset, driven by store closures, operating model shifts, and a new definition of the channel’s role in the health ecosystem, has blurred boundaries and enabled grocery, online, and mass retailers to reinforce their wellness offerings.
At this year’s Drug Channel and Health and Wellness Event, Kantar experts will examine the drug channel within this broader transformation, highlighting key health and wellness trends and shopper behaviors. The event will explore the impact ofAI and GLP-1 on health and wellness shopping.
Keydata/facts:
- The US drug channel has contracted. All remaining Rite Aid stores closed in late 2025 following the retailer’s bankruptcy. CVS closed about 270 stores in 2025, and Walgreens is moving ahead with plans to close approximately 1,200 locations by2027. The closures leave fewer physical access points for pharmacy-led health engagement.
- As traditional drug access declines, grocery and mass retailers are accelerating their role as health and wellness destinations. Expanded pharmacy networks, in-store clinics, and digital health services are shifting prescription volume and health spending to these channels.
- GLP-1 adoption is now mainstream. By late 2025, about 12% of US adults reported actively using GLP-1 medications. GLP-1 use is materially influencing food, beverage, and wellness purchasing behavior as consumers prioritize protein, fiber, functional nutrition, and weight-management solutions.
- AI is rapidly reshaping how shoppers navigate health decisions. From AI-driven search and recommendations to automated care navigation, discovery and decision-making are increasingly led by algorithms, forcing health and wellness brands to rethink content, engagement, and conversion strategies in 2026.
3 & 4 March 2026
Virtual
