CVS Health and Walgreens, the two largest retail pharmacy chains in the U.S., have both opened redesigned health-focused stores.
The push to redesign their retail-based pharmacy stores comes as more consumers shop online and seek convenience when it comes to accessing healthcare.
Here is a breakdown of how the new health-focused concept stores compare, according to CNBC:
CVS' HealthHUBs.
1. CVS opened three pilot stores in the Houston market. The stores dedicate space to help consumers manage chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes and asthma. The redesigned store provides more care coordination between the pharmacy, walk-in clinic and other available services
2. In the new health-focused stores, CVS' MinuteClinics offer expanded services, including a lab for blood testing and health screenings.
3. The new stores will have dieticians and respiratory specialists on staff.
4. Beyond those services, the HealthHUBs also have wellness rooms equipped to handle yoga classes and seminars.
5. The new stores also sell more medical products, including sleep apnea masks and walkers.
6. Each HealthHUB store has a "care concierge" to help guide customers through the new health services. iPads are also stationed in the store for customers to browse health and wellness apps and shop on CVS' website.
Walgreens' health-centric store
1. Walgreens renovated a store near its headquarters in Deerfield, Ill. in the summer of 2018. The pilot store combines many of the new concepts Walgreens is testing at various stores in the country into one location. The idea is that more stores will have these products and services in the future.
2. Walgreens Health Corner is where patients can make appointments and visit the pharmacy. The health services share one waiting room.
3. The company employs "health guides" who help book appointments or walk a consumer through scheduling an appointment on a tablet.
4. At some of its stores, Walgreens has an optical section, where optometrists perform eye exams. Walgreens is testing these services at 10 stores in the Chicago area.
5. Walgreens has also partnered with LapCorp to offer a handful of services including blood work and drug tests at stores. In October, Walgreens announced it would expand their partnership with LabCorp to 600 more locations.
6. Walgreens also partnered with Starkey, a hearing aid manufacturer. Starkey helps perform hearing tests and help fit patients for hearing aids at Walgreens nine locations.
7. The retail pharmacy giant also renovated its pharmacy counter to be a bit more private. In addition, there is a lane for express checkout.