Why Retail Health Clinics Failed: There is a place for retail chains in health care -- but they need to overhaul their strategies if they want to succeed.

Retail health clinics in the United States, operated by companies like CVS Health, Walmart, and Walgreens, were once popular but have recently faced challenges. These clinics were initially seen as a promising model for primary care delivery, but recent announcements of closures by these companies have raised questions about their viability. One issue is that retailers do not view primary care as a core business, which limits the strategic importance and financial investment in these clinics. Additionally, the majority of retail clinics are located in urban areas, making them inconvenient for many people. To succeed, retailers should make primary care a core business, expand into rural and suburban communities, move into complex care with higher margins, and partner with other providers. However, it remains to be seen if retailers are willing to make these bold moves. [Extracted from the article]