Pharmacies: The New Frontline of Non-Emergency Healthcare

Image source: Wolters Kluwer’s Pharmacy Next survey shows 58% of Americans likely to first seek non-emergency healthcare at pharmacies

As younger generations reshape the healthcare landscape, pharmacies are increasingly becoming the go-to destination for non-emergency care. While 45% of customers aged 55+ still frequent pharmacies, it's the younger consumers—Gen Z and Millennials—who are driving this shift.

In fact, according to Wolters Kluwer’s Pharmacy Next survey, “First stop, the pharmacy: 58% of Americans are likely to visit a local pharmacy as a first step when faced with a non-emergency medical issue. 81% say they trust a pharmacist, nurse, or nurse practitioner to diagnose minor illnesses and prescribe medications to treat them.”

Generational Shift to Pharmacy Healthcare

Within the past year, 56% of Gen Z and 54% of Millennials have sought care at local pharmacies, compared to 40% of Gen X and just 35% of Boomers. Although older generations maintain strong pharmacy usage, the younger demographic is leading the charge in expanding pharmacies’ roles beyond filling prescriptions.

Why Pharmacies Over Department Stores?

Some department stores offer healthcare services, but they haven’t earned the same level of consumer trust. A staggering 80% of Americans say they would never visit a department store clinic, preferring the reliability and familiarity of their local pharmacy. In fact, 79% trust their local pharmacy over clinics in department stores like Walmart and Target.

Vaccinations and Care Preferences

When it comes to vaccinations, 62% of Americans prefer to visit their local pharmacy for flu shots and adult vaccinations. However, traditional physician offices are still favored for childhood vaccinations, with 54% of parents opting for this setting. This trend highlights the growing importance of pharmacies in providing convenient and trusted healthcare services.

What Does This Mean for Advertisers?

As pharmacies continue to evolve into trusted healthcare centers, advertisers have a unique opportunity to connect with a highly engaged audience. Bag Branding Solutions (BBS) Advertising offers exclusive ad placements on pharmacy bags, guaranteeing 3-5 impressions per bag. With pharmacies seeing an average of 2,800 monthly visitors, this strategy puts your brand in front of a loyal, community-focused audience. Advertising in pharmacies doesn’t feel like traditional marketing; it feels more like a referral, which strengthens brand loyalty and recognition.

Ask Yourself:

As more consumers turn to pharmacies for their healthcare needs, is your brand capitalizing on this high-impact advertising channel? Discover how BBS Advertising can help your brand shine with pharmacy bag advertising by visiting our website at BBS Advertising.