The pharmacies and drug stores market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.22 trillion in 2025 to $1.29 trillion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing prescription drug usage, growth of brick-and-mortar pharmacies, rise in chronic disease prevalence, limited digital healthcare adoption, government-led health initiatives.
The pharmacies and drug stores market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.65 trillion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing e-pharmacy adoption, integration of ai and iot in pharmacy operations, increasing demand for personalized medicine, expansion of home care pharmacy services, rising health awareness and preventive care. Major trends in the forecast period include expansion of community pharmacies, rise in otc product demand, growth of clinical and ambulatory care pharmacy services, increase in compounding and home care pharmacies, focus on patient counseling and consulting services.
The rising prevalence of chronic illnesses is anticipated to drive the expansion of the pharmacies and drugstore market in the coming years. A chronic illness is a health condition that lasts for an extended period, generally three months or longer, and often remains throughout an individual’s lifetime. Pharmacies and drugstores support the management of chronic illnesses by providing necessary medications and delivering patient guidance. They function as easily accessible points of care, promoting regular medication adherence and offering health-related advice for long-term condition management. For example, in April 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a US-based federal public health agency, 76.4% of adults in the United States, representing approximately 194 million people, reported having at least one chronic condition in 2023, with prevalence levels of 59.5% among young adults, 78.4% among middle-aged adults, and 93% among older adults. As a result, the growing incidence of chronic diseases is contributing to the growth of the pharmacies and drugstore market.
Major companies operating in the pharmacies and drug stores market are focusing on adopting AI-driven pharmacy automation solutions, such as AI-powered pharmacy dispensing platforms, to improve operational efficiency, accuracy, and clinical decision-making. AI-powered pharmacy dispensing platforms are software systems that utilize artificial intelligence and automation to manage prescription dispensing workflows, optimize inventory, and assist pharmacists with data-driven insights, enabling functions such as real-time prescription processing, workflow optimization, and decision support. For instance, in October 2024, Alto Pharmacy, a US-based full-service digital pharmacy providing seamless pharmacy experiences through innovative technology, launched Alto Technologies, offering a suite of pharmacy solutions designed to enhance medication management efficiency and accessibility. The Alto Complete™ platform integrates hub and dispensing services, using automation and artificial intelligence to streamline operations. It delivers faster prescription processing, cost efficiency, and an improved patient experience. The platform also provides real-time data insights, benefiting various stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem. Alto Technologies provides customizable solutions for partners, enabling healthcare providers to enhance services while maintaining patient care. The objective is to transform the pharmacy landscape.
In October 2025, CVS Pharmacy, a US-based retail pharmacy company, acquired Rite Aid assets for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, CVS Pharmacy seeks to enhance access to convenient pharmacy care across the United States and reinforce its presence within local communities. Rite Aid is a US-based retail pharmacy and drugstore chain that offers prescriptions, health and beauty products, general merchandise, and pharmacy benefit management (PBM) services.
Major companies operating in the pharmacies and drug stores market are CVS Health Corporation, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., Alliance Boots GmbH & Co. KG, Rite Aid Corporation, AS Watson Group, Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation, Matsumotokiyoshi Holdings Co. Ltd., MedPlus Health Services Inc., Diplomat Pharmacy Inc., Rexall Sundown Inc., PharMerica Corporation, Kinney Drugs Inc., Bartell Drugs Inc., China Nepstar Holding Company Limited, Progressive Care Inc., Lewis Drug Stores Inc., Grupo Casa Saba Sab De Cv, Omnicare Inc., Dougherty's Pharmacy Inc., Medicap Pharma, Apollo Pharmacy Limited, Discount Drug Stores Inc., Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Fred's Pharmacy Inc., Navarro Discount Pharmacies LLC, Discount Drug Mart Inc., Kerr Drug Inc.
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the pharmacies and drug stores market in 2025. North America was the second-largest region in the global pharmacies and drug stores market share. The regions covered in the pharmacies and drug stores market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the pharmacies and drug stores market report are Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
The pharmacies and drug stores market includes revenues earned by entities by branded prescription drugs, generic drugs, non-prescription medicines, personal health supplies, and dietary supplements, cosmetics. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
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The pharmacies and drug stores market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.65 trillion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing e-pharmacy adoption, integration of ai and iot in pharmacy operations, increasing demand for personalized medicine, expansion of home care pharmacy services, rising health awareness and preventive care. Major trends in the forecast period include expansion of community pharmacies, rise in otc product demand, growth of clinical and ambulatory care pharmacy services, increase in compounding and home care pharmacies, focus on patient counseling and consulting services.
The rising prevalence of chronic illnesses is anticipated to drive the expansion of the pharmacies and drugstore market in the coming years. A chronic illness is a health condition that lasts for an extended period, generally three months or longer, and often remains throughout an individual’s lifetime. Pharmacies and drugstores support the management of chronic illnesses by providing necessary medications and delivering patient guidance. They function as easily accessible points of care, promoting regular medication adherence and offering health-related advice for long-term condition management. For example, in April 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a US-based federal public health agency, 76.4% of adults in the United States, representing approximately 194 million people, reported having at least one chronic condition in 2023, with prevalence levels of 59.5% among young adults, 78.4% among middle-aged adults, and 93% among older adults. As a result, the growing incidence of chronic diseases is contributing to the growth of the pharmacies and drugstore market.
Major companies operating in the pharmacies and drug stores market are focusing on adopting AI-driven pharmacy automation solutions, such as AI-powered pharmacy dispensing platforms, to improve operational efficiency, accuracy, and clinical decision-making. AI-powered pharmacy dispensing platforms are software systems that utilize artificial intelligence and automation to manage prescription dispensing workflows, optimize inventory, and assist pharmacists with data-driven insights, enabling functions such as real-time prescription processing, workflow optimization, and decision support. For instance, in October 2024, Alto Pharmacy, a US-based full-service digital pharmacy providing seamless pharmacy experiences through innovative technology, launched Alto Technologies, offering a suite of pharmacy solutions designed to enhance medication management efficiency and accessibility. The Alto Complete™ platform integrates hub and dispensing services, using automation and artificial intelligence to streamline operations. It delivers faster prescription processing, cost efficiency, and an improved patient experience. The platform also provides real-time data insights, benefiting various stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem. Alto Technologies provides customizable solutions for partners, enabling healthcare providers to enhance services while maintaining patient care. The objective is to transform the pharmacy landscape.
In October 2025, CVS Pharmacy, a US-based retail pharmacy company, acquired Rite Aid assets for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, CVS Pharmacy seeks to enhance access to convenient pharmacy care across the United States and reinforce its presence within local communities. Rite Aid is a US-based retail pharmacy and drugstore chain that offers prescriptions, health and beauty products, general merchandise, and pharmacy benefit management (PBM) services.
Major companies operating in the pharmacies and drug stores market are CVS Health Corporation, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., Alliance Boots GmbH & Co. KG, Rite Aid Corporation, AS Watson Group, Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation, Matsumotokiyoshi Holdings Co. Ltd., MedPlus Health Services Inc., Diplomat Pharmacy Inc., Rexall Sundown Inc., PharMerica Corporation, Kinney Drugs Inc., Bartell Drugs Inc., China Nepstar Holding Company Limited, Progressive Care Inc., Lewis Drug Stores Inc., Grupo Casa Saba Sab De Cv, Omnicare Inc., Dougherty's Pharmacy Inc., Medicap Pharma, Apollo Pharmacy Limited, Discount Drug Stores Inc., Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Fred's Pharmacy Inc., Navarro Discount Pharmacies LLC, Discount Drug Mart Inc., Kerr Drug Inc.
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the pharmacies and drug stores market in 2025. North America was the second-largest region in the global pharmacies and drug stores market share. The regions covered in the pharmacies and drug stores market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the pharmacies and drug stores market report are Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
The pharmacies and drug stores market includes revenues earned by entities by branded prescription drugs, generic drugs, non-prescription medicines, personal health supplies, and dietary supplements, cosmetics. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Characteristics
3. Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Supply Chain Analysis
4. Global Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Trends and Strategies
5. Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Analysis of End Use Industries
7. Global Pharmacies and Drug Stores Strategic Analysis Framework, Current Market Size, Market Comparisons and Growth Rate Analysis
8. Global Pharmacies and Drug Stores Total Addressable Market (TAM) Analysis for the Market
9. Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Segmentation
10. Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Regional and Country Analysis
11. Asia-Pacific Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
12. China Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
13. India Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
14. Japan Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
15. Australia Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
16. Indonesia Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
17. South Korea Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
18. Taiwan Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
19. South East Asia Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
20. Western Europe Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
21. UK Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
22. Germany Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
23. France Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
24. Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
25. Spain Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
26. Eastern Europe Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
27. Russia Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
28. North America Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
29. USA Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
30. Canada Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
31. South America Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
32. Brazil Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
33. Middle East Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
34. Africa Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market
36. Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Competitive Landscape and Company Profiles
37. Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Other Major and Innovative Companies
40. Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market High Potential Countries, Segments and Strategies
41. Appendix
Executive Summary
Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Global Report 2026 provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.This report focuses pharmacies and drug stores market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
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Description
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for pharmacies and drug stores? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The pharmacies and drug stores market global report answers all these questions and many more.The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.
- The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
- The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
- The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
- The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
- The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
- The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
- The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
- The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
- Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
- The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
- Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
- The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
- The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.
Report Scope
Markets Covered:
1) By Drug Type: Prescription Drugs; Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs2) By Pharmacy Type: Community Pharmacy; Hospital Pharmacy; Clinical Pharmacy; Compounding Pharmacy; Consulting Pharmacy; Ambulatory Care Pharmacy; Home Care Pharmacy
3) By Product Type: Skin Care; Cold and Flu; Dental; Weight Loss; Vitamins; Other Product Types
Subsegments:
1) By Prescription Drugs: Brand-Name Drugs; Generic Drugs; Specialty Drugs2) By Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs: Analgesics; Cold and Allergy Medications; Digestive Health Products; Vitamins and Supplements; Skin Care Products
Companies Mentioned: CVS Health Corporation; Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.; Alliance Boots GmbH & Co. KG; Rite Aid Corporation; aS Watson Group; Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation; Matsumotokiyoshi Holdings Co. Ltd.; MedPlus Health Services Inc.; Diplomat Pharmacy Inc.; Rexall Sundown Inc.; PharMerica Corporation; Kinney Drugs Inc.; Bartell Drugs Inc.; China Nepstar Holding Company Limited; Progressive Care Inc.; Lewis Drug Stores Inc.; Grupo Casa Saba Sab De Cv; Omnicare Inc.; Dougherty's Pharmacy Inc.; Medicap Pharma; Apollo Pharmacy Limited; Discount Drug Stores Inc.; Good Neighbor Pharmacy; Fred's Pharmacy Inc.; Navarro Discount Pharmacies LLC; Discount Drug Mart Inc.; Kerr Drug Inc.
Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita.
Data Segmentation: Country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
Delivery Format: Word, PDF or Interactive Report + Excel Dashboard
Added Benefits:
- Bi-Annual Data Update
- Customisation
- Expert Consultant Support
Companies Mentioned
The companies featured in this Pharmacies and Drug Stores market report include:- CVS Health Corporation
- Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.
- Alliance Boots GmbH & Co. KG
- Rite Aid Corporation
- AS Watson Group
- Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation
- Matsumotokiyoshi Holdings Co. Ltd.
- MedPlus Health Services Inc.
- Diplomat Pharmacy Inc.
- Rexall Sundown Inc.
- PharMerica Corporation
- Kinney Drugs Inc.
- Bartell Drugs Inc.
- China Nepstar Holding Company Limited
- Progressive Care Inc.
- Lewis Drug Stores Inc.
- Grupo Casa Saba Sab De Cv
- Omnicare Inc.
- Dougherty's Pharmacy Inc.
- Medicap Pharma
- Apollo Pharmacy Limited
- Discount Drug Stores Inc.
- Good Neighbor Pharmacy
- Fred's Pharmacy Inc.
- Navarro Discount Pharmacies LLC
- Discount Drug Mart Inc.
- Kerr Drug Inc.
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 250 |
| Published | January 2026 |
| Forecast Period | 2026 - 2030 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 1.29 Trillion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 1.65 Trillion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 6.4% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
| No. of Companies Mentioned | 28 |
