Graph and download economic data for Retail Sales: Pharmacies and Drug Stores (MRTSMPCSM44611USN) from Feb 1992 to May 2025 about medicines, retail trade, sales, retail, and USA.

This timeline depicts pharmacy and drug store sales in the United States from 1992 to 2022. In 2022, U.S. pharmacy and drug store sales amounted to about 336 billion U.S. dollars.

U.S. Pharmacies and Drug Stores Industry The retail drug industry is comprised of pharmacies or drugstores, as they are known in North America. With an aging population and greater prevalence of chronic diseases, the need for safe, legal pharmaceutical drugs is constantly rising.Pharmacies and drug stores dispense prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs directly to patients. However, their role is more than one of simple distribution as they dispense medication in specific doses, adhere to optimal conditions of storage and give valuable advice to patients. Pharmacies practice in a wide range of locations such as communities, hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. Other drug retail outlets include supermarkets, and independent and online pharmacies, which offer mail-order drugs to patients, proving especially convenient for those that may be unable to leave their homes. Apart from selling drugs, miscellaneous products also account for a percentage of sales for these retail outlets, such as cosmetics and confectioneries.The retail drug store industry employs many different types of workers. Each store has a manager, along with department managers or assistant managers to handle additional administrative duties. Sales associates are generally entry-level retail workers. Pharmacists require a specialized degree and licensing to dispense medication.

In May 2024, pharmacy and drug store retail sales in the United States were estimated to be around **** billion U.S. dollars. Walgreens Boot Alliance and CVS Health Corporation are among the leading drug stores in the United States.

This statistic shows the total sales of OTC (over-the-counter) drugs in the United States from 1965 to 2024. For 2024, it was estimated that OTC sales in the United States reached **** billion U.S. dollars. Upper respiratory products and internal analgesics are among the most sold OTC product categories in the United States. Walgreens Boots Alliance The Walgreens Boots Alliance is a leading U.S.-based pharmacy retail and wholesale company, operating pharmacies and drugstores globally. As of 2023, the Walgreens Boot Alliance was the second leading drugstore in the United States with over *** billion U.S. dollars in sales revenue, only topped by the CVS Health Corporation. Similarly, both companies retain the lead when it comes to online sales revenue.

United States Retail Sales: HP: ow: Pharmacies and Drug Stores data was reported at 22.813 USD bn in Sep 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 24.571 USD bn for Aug 2018. United States Retail Sales: HP: ow: Pharmacies and Drug Stores data is updated monthly, averaging 14.773 USD bn from Jan 1992 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 321 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 25.212 USD bn in Dec 2015 and a record low of 6.074 USD bn in Sep 1992. United States Retail Sales: HP: ow: Pharmacies and Drug Stores data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.H001: Retail Sales: By NAIC System.

United States - Retail Sales: Pharmacies and Drug Stores was 30038.00000 Mil. of $ in February of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Retail Sales: Pharmacies and Drug Stores reached a record high of 34925.00000 in December of 2024 and a record low of 6074.00000 in September of 1992. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Retail Sales: Pharmacies and Drug Stores - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

United States - Retail Sales: Pharmacies and Drug Stores was -0.30000 % Chg. from Preceding Period in April of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Retail Sales: Pharmacies and Drug Stores reached a record high of 10.70000 in March of 2020 and a record low of -10.80000 in April of 2020. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Retail Sales: Pharmacies and Drug Stores - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

In 2023, drug retail pharmacy sales amounted to approximately *** billion Canadian dollars, while front store sales amounted to approximately *** billion Canadian dollars. In the previous year, drug retail pharmacy and front store sales totaled around *** and *** billion dollars, respectively.

United States - Retail Sales: Pharmacies and Drug Stores was -7.30000 % Chg. from Preceding Period in February of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Retail Sales: Pharmacies and Drug Stores reached a record high of 32.40000 in December of 1993 and a record low of -24.90000 in January of 1994. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Retail Sales: Pharmacies and Drug Stores - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on June of 2025.

RS: ARTS: HP: Pharmacies & Drug Stores data was reported at 288.846 USD bn in 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 277.396 USD bn for 2017. RS: ARTS: HP: Pharmacies & Drug Stores data is updated yearly, averaging 179.170 USD bn from Dec 1992 (Median) to 2018, with 27 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 288.846 USD bn in 2018 and a record low of 77.791 USD bn in 1992. RS: ARTS: HP: Pharmacies & Drug Stores data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.H003: Retail Sales: Annual Retail Trade Survey: NAICS.

Pharmacies and drug stores have endured moderate volatility in recent years. Retailers have benefited from a growing and aging population, as older consumers require medication to address chronic ailments, resulting in higher volumes of foot traffic. Similarly, the number of people with private insurance and public funding for Medicare and Medicaid has been on the rise, giving more people access to insurance and supporting demand for prescriptions, pharmacies' largest product segment. These trends, along with consumers increasingly prioritizing their health, have supported revenue gains, causing revenue to grow at an estimated CAGR of 1.1% to $609.6 billion through the end of 2025, including growth of 3.6% that year alone. Pharmacies have endured some challenges during this time, including heightened external competition from big-box stores and online-only pharmacies. With big-box stores offering consumers added convenience, pharmacies have expanded their services to offer some primary care services and grow delivery offerings. Many pharmacies and drug stores have invested in online platforms to service customers who prefer to shop online. The trend of online shopping will intensify in the coming years, and successful drugstores will be positioned to capitalize on the surge in demand. Pharmacies and drug stores have also focused on marketing personal care products, which often have higher prices, to capture additional revenue; however, unfavorable macroeconomic conditions directly harm these product lines because of their less-essential nature and higher access to substitutes. Pharmacies and drug stores will continue to benefit from the ongoing economic recovery, as cooling inflation encourages consumers to make more discretionary purchases like cosmetics and other personal care products. This growth will be fueled by the expansion of store services, including preventive care options and additional front-end offerings. As the number of insured individuals swells, many consumers will continue to fill their prescriptions because of the low out-of-pocket costs. As conditions for the industry improve, so will profit, rising along with revenue. Revenue is expected to climb at a CAGR of 2.6% to $692.0 billion through the end of 2030.

Forecast: Estimated Pharmacies and Drug Stores Sales in the US 2022 - 2026 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Retail Sales Value: Medicines: ytd: CF: Smolensk Region data was reported at 4,655,738.000 RUB th in Dec 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 3,581,002.000 RUB th for Sep 2024. Retail Sales Value: Medicines: ytd: CF: Smolensk Region data is updated quarterly, averaging 2,012,788.000 RUB th from Mar 2009 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 64 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,655,738.000 RUB th in Dec 2024 and a record low of 449,020.000 RUB th in Mar 2009. Retail Sales Value: Medicines: ytd: CF: Smolensk Region data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Wholesale, Retail and Catering Sector – Table RU.RJB012: Retail Sales Value: by Region: Medicines.

Retail Sales of Drug Stores and Health and Beauty Stores in Mexico: Market Size, Growth and Forecast to 2021 provides detailed historic and forecast statistics on retail sales from 2011 to 2021 taking place at "Drug Stores and Health and Beauty Stores" for each Sector at Market level. However, delivered wholesale sales are not included.
The Market level analytics are provided for the following product Sectors: Read More

During the peak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis (March-April 2020) when many countries worldwide went into lockdown mode, e-commerce share in total retail sales saw proportions that were not seen before. In the drug store segment, this share reached ** percent during the months when the cases and lockdown measures peaked, around March-April 2020. In the current period, e-commerce share of drug store sales is measured at ** percent.

Retail Sales Value: Medicines: ytd: NW: Republic of Komi data was reported at 10,053,381.000 RUB th in Dec 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 7,116,016.000 RUB th for Sep 2024. Retail Sales Value: Medicines: ytd: NW: Republic of Komi data is updated quarterly, averaging 3,203,643.000 RUB th from Mar 2009 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 64 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10,053,381.000 RUB th in Dec 2024 and a record low of 547,963.000 RUB th in Mar 2009. Retail Sales Value: Medicines: ytd: NW: Republic of Komi data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Wholesale, Retail and Catering Sector – Table RU.RJB012: Retail Sales Value: by Region: Medicines.

Pharmaceutical Retail Chain Market Outlook

The global pharmaceutical retail chain market size is projected to grow significantly from $1.1 trillion in 2023 to an estimated $2.2 trillion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. This growth is primarily driven by increased consumer demand for both prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as health and wellness products.

One of the key growth factors in the pharmaceutical retail chain market is the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. The increasing incidence of these ailments necessitates a robust and accessible pharmaceutical supply chain, which in turn stimulates the expansion of retail pharmacy chains. As healthcare awareness and diagnostic capabilities improve, the demand for medications and related health products is expected to continue climbing.

Another significant driver of market growth is the aging global population. As the elderly demographic expands, so does the need for various medications and health supplements. This not only boosts the prescription drug segment but also the over-the-counter drug market, where older individuals often seek remedies for minor ailments and health maintenance products. Enhanced life expectancy and improved healthcare services are further amplifying this demand, making the pharmaceutical retail chain market a crucial part of the healthcare ecosystem.

Technological advancements in the retail pharmaceutical industry are also playing a crucial role in market growth. The advent of digital health technologies, including online pharmacies and mobile health apps, is revolutionizing the way consumers access medications. Online pharmacies, in particular, offer convenience, competitive pricing, and a broader range of products, which appeal to the tech-savvy and busy modern consumer. This digital transformation is expected to continue fueling market expansion over the forecast period.

Retail Clinics In Store Healthcare are becoming an integral part of the pharmaceutical retail chain landscape, offering convenient and accessible healthcare services directly within retail settings. These clinics provide a range of services, including vaccinations, health screenings, and minor medical treatments, catering to the growing consumer demand for quick and efficient healthcare solutions. The integration of retail clinics within pharmacy chains not only enhances customer convenience but also drives foot traffic to the stores, potentially increasing the sales of pharmaceutical and health products. As consumers increasingly seek comprehensive healthcare solutions in one location, the presence of retail clinics in store healthcare settings is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the pharmaceutical retail market.

Regionally, the market outlook varies significantly. North America, with its advanced healthcare infrastructure and high per-capita healthcare expenditure, is a leading region in the pharmaceutical retail chain market. However, significant growth is also anticipated in the Asia Pacific region, driven by rapidly developing economies like China and India, which are investing heavily in healthcare infrastructure. Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa are also expected to witness moderate growth, supported by ongoing healthcare reforms and increasing consumer health awareness.

Product Type Analysis

The pharmaceutical retail chain market can be segmented by product type into prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and health and wellness products. Prescription drugs form the largest segment due to the essential nature of these medications, which are prescribed to treat various acute and chronic conditions. The stringent regulations governing prescription medications ensure their high quality and efficacy, making them indispensable in the healthcare sector. The constant innovation in pharmacology and the introduction of new therapeutic drugs further bolster this segment's growth.

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are also a significant segment, driven by consumers' increasing tendency to self-medicate for minor ailments. OTC drugs are readily accessible and do not require a physician's prescription, making them a convenient option for many. The range of OTC products has been expanding, covering categories such as pain relievers, cold and flu medications, digestive a

Retail Sales Value: Medicines: ytd: CF: Bryansk Region data was reported at 25,119,409.000 RUB th in Dec 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 24,708,364.000 RUB th for Sep 2024. Retail Sales Value: Medicines: ytd: CF: Bryansk Region data is updated quarterly, averaging 6,056,019.000 RUB th from Mar 2009 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 64 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 25,119,409.000 RUB th in Dec 2024 and a record low of 1,176,444.000 RUB th in Mar 2010. Retail Sales Value: Medicines: ytd: CF: Bryansk Region data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Wholesale, Retail and Catering Sector – Table RU.RJB012: Retail Sales Value: by Region: Medicines.

Verdict Retail’s, "Retail Sales of Drug Stores and Health & Beauty Stores in Germany: Market Size, Growth and Forecast to 2020" provides detailed historic and forecast statistics on retail sales from 2010 to 2020 taking place at "Drug Stores and Health & Beauty Stores" for each category at segment level. However, delivered wholesale sales are not included. The segment level analytics are provided for the following product categories: Books, news and stationery Electrical and electronics Food and grocery Health and beauty Music, video and entertainment software Sports and leisure equipment Verdict Retail categorizes "Drug Stores and Health & Beauty Stores" as stores that include beauty and cosmetics specialists, drug stores, pharmacists, health stores and opticians. "Retail Sales of Drug Stores and Health & Beauty Stores in Germany: Market Size, Growth and Forecast to 2020" report is the result of Verdict Retail’s extensive market research covering the retail industry in Germany. The report acts as an essential tool for companies active across the Germany’s retail industry and for new players considering entering the market. The comprehensive statistics within the report provides insight into the operating environment of the market and also ensures right business decision making based on historical trends and industry model based forecasting. This is an on-demand report and will be delivered within 2 working days (excluding weekends) of the purchase. Read More

Retail Sales of Drug Stores and Health and Beauty Stores in Spain: Market Size, Growth and Forecast to 2021 provides detailed historic and forecast statistics on retail sales from 2011 to 2021 taking place at "Drug Stores and Health and Beauty Stores" for each Sector at Market level. However, delivered wholesale sales are not included.
The Market level analytics are provided for the following product Sectors: Read More