GITNUXREPORT 2025

Retail Pharmacy Industry Statistics

Retail pharmacy industry grows with digital, automation, and health service integration.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 70% of prescriptions are now filled through chain pharmacies

Statistic 2

The adoption rate of digital prescription services has increased by 34% over the past three years

Statistic 3

Approximately 60% of prescriptions are now being picked up via pharmacy apps or online portals

Statistic 4

The average age of pharmacy customers has increased to 45 years, reflecting an aging population

Statistic 5

The use of self-service kiosks in retail pharmacies has increased by 50% over the last two years, enhancing customer experience

Statistic 6

The percentage of prescriptions filled via mail-order pharmacies increased to 20% in 2022, reflecting convenience trends

Statistic 7

The use of automation in retail pharmacies increased by 25% in 2022 to improve efficiency and reduce errors

Statistic 8

Approximately 55% of retail pharmacies now offer vaccination services, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines

Statistic 9

The adoption of robotic dispensing systems in retail pharmacies increased by 15% in 2022, reducing wait times and improving accuracy

Statistic 10

The percentage of prescriptions filled through electronic health record (EHR) integration reached 65% in 2022, facilitating seamless data sharing

Statistic 11

The retail pharmacy industry’s investment in AI-powered chatbots increased by 40% in 2022 to assist with customer inquiries

Statistic 12

Approximately 25% of retail pharmacy customers use loyalty programs, generating data that helps personalize marketing efforts

Statistic 13

Retail pharmacies are increasingly partnering with telehealth providers, with 35% offering telepharmacy services as of 2023

Statistic 14

The retail pharmacy industry's profit margins average around 2-3%, affected by drug reimbursement rates and operational costs

Statistic 15

In 2022, approximately 55% of pharmacists were women, highlighting gender diversity in the workforce

Statistic 16

Over 40% of retail prescription drug sales are now made through digital channels, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior

Statistic 17

The average spend per customer in retail pharmacies increased to about $40 per visit in 2022, driven by OTC and health products

Statistic 18

The use of mobile apps for prescription management increased by 50% in the past two years, facilitating more digital interactions

Statistic 19

Customer satisfaction ratings for retail pharmacies improved by 5 percentage points in 2022, attributed to improved service and digital tools

Statistic 20

The retail pharmacy industry’s investment in sustainability initiatives, such as eco-friendly packaging, increased by 30% in 2022, responding to consumer demand

Statistic 21

About 60% of patients prefer to receive their prescriptions through digital interaction methods like apps and websites, indicating a shift towards convenience-based healthcare

Statistic 22

Retail pharmacy branded loyalty and rewards programs increase customer retention rates by over 20%, according to industry studies

Statistic 23

The adoption of electronic payment methods in retail pharmacies reached near-universal levels of 95% in 2022, facilitating faster transactions

Statistic 24

The use of telepharmacy consults increased by 400% during the COVID-19 pandemic and stabilized at high levels through 2023, expanding access to pharmacy services

Statistic 25

Approximately 65% of retail pharmacies now offer personalized medication management or adherence programs, improving patient outcomes

Statistic 26

The percentage of patients receiving medication therapy management (MTM) services through retail pharmacies rose to 35% in 2022, supporting chronic disease management

Statistic 27

The number of dual-focus retail pharmacies combining pharmacy and wellness services increased by 25% over the past two years, reflecting integrated health approaches

Statistic 28

The percentage of consumers who prefer digital rather than brick-and-mortar retail pharmacies increased to 52% in 2023, due to convenience and safety considerations

Statistic 29

The retail pharmacy industry generated approximately $468 billion in sales in the United States in 2022

Statistic 30

Over 85% of Americans receive at least one prescription medication annually

Statistic 31

The global pharmacy market size was valued at $1.4 trillion in 2022

Statistic 32

The average revenue per pharmacy in the U.S. was approximately $2.3 million in 2022

Statistic 33

The retail pharmacy industry employs over 2 million people in the U.S.

Statistic 34

The rise of online pharmacy services led to a 12% increase in digital pharmacy sales in 2022

Statistic 35

The top 10 pharmacy chains in the U.S. account for over 70% of the market share

Statistic 36

Approximately 45% of prescriptions in 2022 were for generic drugs, saving consumers and insurers billions annually

Statistic 37

The demand for specialty medications in retail pharmacies grew by 20% in 2022, driven by chronic and complex conditions

Statistic 38

The pharmacy benefit management (PBM) industry controls over $350 billion in drug spending annually

Statistic 39

In 2022, around 40% of retail pharmacy sales were driven by over-the-counter (OTC) products, including vitamins and wellness items

Statistic 40

The retail pharmacy industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2023 to 2028, according to industry forecasts

Statistic 41

The growth of pharmacy-led health clinics in retail pharmacy outlets increased by 30% in 2022, integrating primary care with medication management

Statistic 42

The global OTC drug market is projected to reach $176 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%

Statistic 43

The number of pharmacy graduates in the U.S. increased by 12% from 2020 to 2022, reflecting workforce expansion

Statistic 44

The number of compounded medication prescriptions dispensed in retail pharmacies grew roughly 8% annually over the past three years, driven by specialty needs

Statistic 45

Sales of health and wellness supplements in retail pharmacies reached $12 billion in 2022, showing strong growth in supplement offerings

Statistic 46

The retail pharmacy industry is projected to experience a workforce shortage of approximately 50,000 pharmacists by 2030 globally, due to retirement and workforce aging

Statistic 47

The percentage of retail pharmacies offering specialized disease management programs increased by 20% in 2022, including programs for diabetes, hypertension, and COPD

Statistic 48

Approximately 15% of retail pharmacy sales are now attributed to wellness clinics and preventive health services, reflecting a broader health offering

Statistic 49

The number of pharmacy technician certifications issued annually increased by 18% from 2020 to 2022, highlighting workforce development

Statistic 50

In 2022, the average age of pharmacy technicians was 31 years, indicating a young workforce entering the field

Statistic 51

The share of revenue from over-the-counter products in retail pharmacies is projected to reach 38% by 2025, driven by consumer health trends

Statistic 52

The fastest-growing segment of pharmacy dispensing volume involves biologics and biosimilars, which grew by over 15% in 2022, due to an increase in chronic and autoimmune conditions

Statistic 53

In the last decade, the number of women entering pharmacy schools has increased by approximately 30%, leading to greater gender diversity

Statistic 54

The global market for pharmacy automation is expected to reach $7 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%, driven by demand for efficiency and accuracy

Statistic 55

The total number of prescriptions dispensed in the U.S. retail sector reached approximately 4 billion in 2022, reflecting high demand and healthcare utilization

Statistic 56

The number of pharmacies offering personalized compounding services increased by 18% in 2022, driven by patient-specific medication needs

Statistic 57

The average prescription spending per patient in retail pharmacies increased by 12% from 2020 to 2022, driven by higher drug costs and adjusted treatment plans

Statistic 58

Approximately 12% of retail pharmacy prescriptions in 2022 involved controlled substances, with increasing oversight to combat misuse

Statistic 59

The number of retail pharmacy locations in the U.S. exceeded 23,000 in 2022

Statistic 60

The typical retail pharmacy dispenses around 2,000 prescriptions per week, depending on location and size

Statistic 61

The majority of retail pharmacies (approximately 65%) are independent or small chains, serving local communities

Statistic 62

The average retail pharmacy inventory turnover rate is approximately 8 times per year, indicating efficiency levels

Statistic 63

Around 20% of retail pharmacy staff receive ongoing training in new digital health tools annually, emphasizing continual workforce education

Statistic 64

Investments in retail pharmacy cybersecurity measures increased by over 35% in 2022, addressing rising cyber threats

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Sources

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Key Highlights

The retail pharmacy industry generated approximately $468 billion in sales in the United States in 2022
Over 85% of Americans receive at least one prescription medication annually
The number of retail pharmacy locations in the U.S. exceeded 23,000 in 2022
Approximately 70% of prescriptions are now filled through chain pharmacies
The global pharmacy market size was valued at $1.4 trillion in 2022
The adoption rate of digital prescription services has increased by 34% over the past three years
The average revenue per pharmacy in the U.S. was approximately $2.3 million in 2022
The retail pharmacy industry employs over 2 million people in the U.S.
The rise of online pharmacy services led to a 12% increase in digital pharmacy sales in 2022
Approximately 60% of prescriptions are now being picked up via pharmacy apps or online portals
The top 10 pharmacy chains in the U.S. account for over 70% of the market share
Approximately 45% of prescriptions in 2022 were for generic drugs, saving consumers and insurers billions annually
The demand for specialty medications in retail pharmacies grew by 20% in 2022, driven by chronic and complex conditions

The retail pharmacy industry is not only a billion-dollar powerhouse with over $468 billion in U.S. sales in 2022 but also a dynamic sector rapidly transforming through digital innovation, evolving consumer preferences, and expanding healthcare services.

Industry Adoption and Consumer Behavior

Approximately 70% of prescriptions are now filled through chain pharmacies
The adoption rate of digital prescription services has increased by 34% over the past three years
Approximately 60% of prescriptions are now being picked up via pharmacy apps or online portals
The average age of pharmacy customers has increased to 45 years, reflecting an aging population
The use of self-service kiosks in retail pharmacies has increased by 50% over the last two years, enhancing customer experience
The percentage of prescriptions filled via mail-order pharmacies increased to 20% in 2022, reflecting convenience trends
The use of automation in retail pharmacies increased by 25% in 2022 to improve efficiency and reduce errors
Approximately 55% of retail pharmacies now offer vaccination services, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines
The adoption of robotic dispensing systems in retail pharmacies increased by 15% in 2022, reducing wait times and improving accuracy
The percentage of prescriptions filled through electronic health record (EHR) integration reached 65% in 2022, facilitating seamless data sharing
The retail pharmacy industry’s investment in AI-powered chatbots increased by 40% in 2022 to assist with customer inquiries
Approximately 25% of retail pharmacy customers use loyalty programs, generating data that helps personalize marketing efforts
Retail pharmacies are increasingly partnering with telehealth providers, with 35% offering telepharmacy services as of 2023
The retail pharmacy industry's profit margins average around 2-3%, affected by drug reimbursement rates and operational costs
In 2022, approximately 55% of pharmacists were women, highlighting gender diversity in the workforce
Over 40% of retail prescription drug sales are now made through digital channels, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior
The average spend per customer in retail pharmacies increased to about $40 per visit in 2022, driven by OTC and health products
The use of mobile apps for prescription management increased by 50% in the past two years, facilitating more digital interactions
Customer satisfaction ratings for retail pharmacies improved by 5 percentage points in 2022, attributed to improved service and digital tools
The retail pharmacy industry’s investment in sustainability initiatives, such as eco-friendly packaging, increased by 30% in 2022, responding to consumer demand
About 60% of patients prefer to receive their prescriptions through digital interaction methods like apps and websites, indicating a shift towards convenience-based healthcare
Retail pharmacy branded loyalty and rewards programs increase customer retention rates by over 20%, according to industry studies
The adoption of electronic payment methods in retail pharmacies reached near-universal levels of 95% in 2022, facilitating faster transactions
The use of telepharmacy consults increased by 400% during the COVID-19 pandemic and stabilized at high levels through 2023, expanding access to pharmacy services
Approximately 65% of retail pharmacies now offer personalized medication management or adherence programs, improving patient outcomes
The percentage of patients receiving medication therapy management (MTM) services through retail pharmacies rose to 35% in 2022, supporting chronic disease management
The number of dual-focus retail pharmacies combining pharmacy and wellness services increased by 25% over the past two years, reflecting integrated health approaches
The percentage of consumers who prefer digital rather than brick-and-mortar retail pharmacies increased to 52% in 2023, due to convenience and safety considerations

Industry Adoption and Consumer Behavior Interpretation

As retail pharmacies embrace a digital and automated revolution—fueled by a growing, aging customer base and heightened convenience needs—they are not only redefining healthcare accessibility but also demonstrating resilience amid slim profit margins by integrating AI, telehealth, and eco-friendly practices into their ever-evolving business model.

Market Size and Growth Trends

The retail pharmacy industry generated approximately $468 billion in sales in the United States in 2022
Over 85% of Americans receive at least one prescription medication annually
The global pharmacy market size was valued at $1.4 trillion in 2022
The average revenue per pharmacy in the U.S. was approximately $2.3 million in 2022
The retail pharmacy industry employs over 2 million people in the U.S.
The rise of online pharmacy services led to a 12% increase in digital pharmacy sales in 2022
The top 10 pharmacy chains in the U.S. account for over 70% of the market share
Approximately 45% of prescriptions in 2022 were for generic drugs, saving consumers and insurers billions annually
The demand for specialty medications in retail pharmacies grew by 20% in 2022, driven by chronic and complex conditions
The pharmacy benefit management (PBM) industry controls over $350 billion in drug spending annually
In 2022, around 40% of retail pharmacy sales were driven by over-the-counter (OTC) products, including vitamins and wellness items
The retail pharmacy industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2023 to 2028, according to industry forecasts
The growth of pharmacy-led health clinics in retail pharmacy outlets increased by 30% in 2022, integrating primary care with medication management
The global OTC drug market is projected to reach $176 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%
The number of pharmacy graduates in the U.S. increased by 12% from 2020 to 2022, reflecting workforce expansion
The number of compounded medication prescriptions dispensed in retail pharmacies grew roughly 8% annually over the past three years, driven by specialty needs
Sales of health and wellness supplements in retail pharmacies reached $12 billion in 2022, showing strong growth in supplement offerings
The retail pharmacy industry is projected to experience a workforce shortage of approximately 50,000 pharmacists by 2030 globally, due to retirement and workforce aging
The percentage of retail pharmacies offering specialized disease management programs increased by 20% in 2022, including programs for diabetes, hypertension, and COPD
Approximately 15% of retail pharmacy sales are now attributed to wellness clinics and preventive health services, reflecting a broader health offering
The number of pharmacy technician certifications issued annually increased by 18% from 2020 to 2022, highlighting workforce development
In 2022, the average age of pharmacy technicians was 31 years, indicating a young workforce entering the field
The share of revenue from over-the-counter products in retail pharmacies is projected to reach 38% by 2025, driven by consumer health trends
The fastest-growing segment of pharmacy dispensing volume involves biologics and biosimilars, which grew by over 15% in 2022, due to an increase in chronic and autoimmune conditions
In the last decade, the number of women entering pharmacy schools has increased by approximately 30%, leading to greater gender diversity
The global market for pharmacy automation is expected to reach $7 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%, driven by demand for efficiency and accuracy
The total number of prescriptions dispensed in the U.S. retail sector reached approximately 4 billion in 2022, reflecting high demand and healthcare utilization
The number of pharmacies offering personalized compounding services increased by 18% in 2022, driven by patient-specific medication needs

Market Size and Growth Trends Interpretation

With a staggering $468 billion in 2022 and over 4 billion prescriptions dispensed, the retail pharmacy industry proves that in America, health is wealth—driven by a mix of tradition, innovation, and the ever-elusive quest to make wellness accessible, all while facing a looming pharmacist shortage even as digital and personalized services redefine the script.

Prescription and Service Trends

The average prescription spending per patient in retail pharmacies increased by 12% from 2020 to 2022, driven by higher drug costs and adjusted treatment plans
Approximately 12% of retail pharmacy prescriptions in 2022 involved controlled substances, with increasing oversight to combat misuse

Prescription and Service Trends Interpretation

As prescription costs soar by 12% amid rising drug prices and tighter controls on controlled substances, retail pharmacies are navigating not just the pharmacy aisle but also the complex balance of cost, care, and regulation.

Retail Pharmacy Infrastructure and Locations

The number of retail pharmacy locations in the U.S. exceeded 23,000 in 2022
The typical retail pharmacy dispenses around 2,000 prescriptions per week, depending on location and size
The majority of retail pharmacies (approximately 65%) are independent or small chains, serving local communities
The average retail pharmacy inventory turnover rate is approximately 8 times per year, indicating efficiency levels

Retail Pharmacy Infrastructure and Locations Interpretation

With over 23,000 pharmacies dispensing 2,000 prescriptions weekly—most rooted in local communities—and turnover rates that reflect crisp efficiency, the U.S. retail pharmacy industry exemplifies both dynamism and dedication to accessible healthcare.

Technological Advancements and Security

Around 20% of retail pharmacy staff receive ongoing training in new digital health tools annually, emphasizing continual workforce education
Investments in retail pharmacy cybersecurity measures increased by over 35% in 2022, addressing rising cyber threats

Technological Advancements and Security Interpretation

Amidst the digital health revolution, only one in five retail pharmacy staff stay updated annually, while cyber defenses surge over 35%, revealing a sector striving to balance technological advancement with the very real need for safeguarded patient care.