Core Viewpoint - The retail pharmacy industry in China is entering a phase of negative growth by 2025, with a significant number of store closures and a shift in focus towards health services rather than just product sales [1][2][3] Industry Overview - The retail pharmacy sector has seen a 50% increase in store numbers over the past seven years, but the total number of pharmacies has now dropped below 700,000, marking the beginning of negative growth [2][3] - In Q1 2025, approximately 3,000 pharmacies closed, indicating a trend that may continue as the market contracts [2][3] Market Dynamics - The overall market size for pharmaceuticals in China is projected to decline for the first time, with a forecasted sales figure of 1.97 trillion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year decrease [2] - The competition among pharmacies has intensified due to a shrinking market, leading to a median revenue growth of only 4.7% among eight listed pharmacy companies, while median profit has decreased by 32.9% [2] Strategic Responses - Some retail pharmacies are slowing down their expansion plans, while others are increasing their franchise operations to boost market share [3] - The concentration of the top 100 pharmacy chains has risen to 53%, indicating a trend towards consolidation in the industry [3] Opportunities for Innovation - Despite declines in various product categories, the sales of biopharmaceuticals have surged by 17.7%, suggesting a potential growth area for the industry [3][4] - The DTP (Direct to Patient) market is expanding, with a projected sales growth of 17.2% in 2024, highlighting a shift towards more personalized patient care [4][5] Collaboration and Diversification - There is a growing interest from innovative pharmaceutical companies to collaborate with retail pharmacies, particularly in the DTP sector, to enhance patient services [5][6] - Retail pharmacies are exploring diversification into beauty and health products, with potential market opportunities reaching trillions [6][7] Future Outlook - The industry is expected to evolve from a product-centric model to a health-centric approach, driven by increasing health demands and innovations in drug supply [7][8] - The existing network of nearly 700,000 pharmacies provides a unique opportunity to enhance health service delivery across the country [7]
闭店潮下零售药店谋变 靠前服务拓展价值点
Zheng Quan Shi Bao·2025-08-20 18:30