Retail is reshaping U.S. health care with tech-driven clinics, virtual care and patient-first models

“Big retail” continues to reshape the health care industry in 2025, with major players expanding their presence through brick-and-mortar clinics and virtual care platforms despite recent industry turbulence. 

According to Precedence Research, the global retail clinics market is projected to reach $5.96 billion in 2025 and is expected to double to $12.04 billion by 2034, driven by consumer demand for accessible, convenient, and affordable health care services in retail settings. Retail clinics, often located in pharmacies, supermarkets and big-box stores, offer walk-in care with extended hours and reduced wait times, making them a popular alternative to traditional health care facilities. 

While some retailers have scaled back or exited clinical operations due to growing competition and financial pressures, others are forging ahead, leveraging their extensive networks to deliver integrated health care services and influence the future of patient care delivery. This evolving landscape underscores big retail’s significant and ongoing impact on health care accessibility, consumer experience and industry innovation.

Accessibility and convenience 

The big retail health care players have significantly increased accessibility and convenience in the U.S. by expanding their pharmacy footprints and diversifying service offerings. Some retailers’ offerings have been strengthened by additional omnichannel pharmacy capabilities, enabling patients to access personalized care both digitally and in-person, and offering services like vaccinations, screenings and test-and-treat options at local pharmacies. 

According to Chain Drug Review, nearly 80% of Americans indicated they wanted more health services from their local pharmacy. Retailers are challenged with meeting accessibility demand, providing community-based care and streamlining patient experiences through digital tools like appointment schedulers and digital check-ins. 

Other large retailers are meeting market demand by leveraging their network of locations nationwide, with more than 85% of Americans living within 10 miles of any given retail location, according to the Chain Drug Review article. 

It is important to note, most retail clinics (85%) are owned by large retail chains. However, there has been a trend in recent years toward hospitals and health systems entering the retail clinic landscape by partnering with chains to support the growing demand for consumer-centric health care.

These initiatives by big retailers improve health care convenience and accessibility by meeting patients where they are, integrating digital and in-person care, and focusing on community-specific needs.

Innovation and consumer experience

Big retail is also driving health care innovation and transforming the consumer experience by integrating technology, expanding service offerings and prioritizing convenience. 

One large retailer has launched digital health platforms connecting customers to a wide array of health care services including urgent care, telehealth, lab testing and even physician house calls directly from mobile devices or in-store visits. This approach gives consumers alternatives to costly emergency department visits and streamlines access to both local and digital health care options. 

Retailers are also leveraging patient feedback mechanisms, such as digital surveys and incentives, to refine services and boost patient engagement and loyalty, leading to repeat visits and improved health outcomes. These innovations collectively enhance accessibility, reduce barriers to care and deliver a more seamless, patient-centered health care experience for millions of Americans.

Emphasis on value-based care and patient-centered focus

In 2025, major retail health care players have increasingly emphasized value-based care (VBC) and patient-centered approaches as strategic priorities. 

Retailers, once viewed as disruptive forces democratizing access to care, have adjusted their primary care investments amid evolving program designs and policy shifts (particularly in Medicare Advantage), which has been a key arena for VBC innovation. 

Specialty value-based provider groups affiliated with retail health entities are expanding, focusing on cost containment and improved outcomes for high-cost members. With that said, pharmacies, an integral part of retail health, could see a rise in non-dispensing revenue opportunities linked to VBC, driven by a health plans’ need to improve quality measures and clinical programs beyond traditional services. Despite some volatility, demand for VBC technology and tech-enabled services among retail and payer organizations is expected to grow in 2025 as companies seek to manage utilization, member churn and scale effective VBC models that prioritize coordinated, patient-centered care.

Looking ahead

Big retail’s ongoing influence on the health care industry is underscored by rapid market growth, technological innovation and a consumer-centric approach. As the U.S. retail clinics market grows, highlighting the increasing demand for accessible, affordable care in retail settings, traditional health care companies will need to diversify their health care strategies through expanded brick-and-mortar clinics and virtual care platforms. Some will falter through financial pressures and market uncertainties. This shift will drive health care organizations to prioritize consumer engagement and experience. 

In addition, the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and digital patient engagement solutions, will further transform the landscape, enabling providers and retailers to meet evolving patient expectations and streamline care delivery. 

As big retail continues to innovate and expand its health care footprint, its impact is evident in improved access, enhanced patient satisfaction and the acceleration of industry-wide transformation.

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