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Diving brief:
- As more retailers seek healthcare customers, The Vitamin Shoppe is introduction of a telehealth service called Whole Health Rx by The Vitamin Shoppe, the nutritional retailer announced Wednesday.
- Through this service, the retailer will pair customers with approved medical providers to determine, based on their medical history, questionnaire responses and goals, whether to approve customers' medications. For starters, the company offers weight management medications including Ozempic, Mounjaro and Rybelsus, according to the announcement.
- Monthly drug subscriptions start at $219 at introductory price and $269 at regular price, with no insurance required, according to the press release.
Dive overview:
Taking a cue from drugstore pharmacists, other retail giants are offering healthcare services in addition to their retail operations.
Last November, Best Buy reached an agreement with Mass General Brighama Boston-based nonprofit healthcare provider, to collaborate on home care products and programs, a move made after signing similar deals with Geisinger and Atrium Health the same year.
Amazon has also delved deeper into healthcare in recent years. In January 2023, the e-commerce giant upgraded its Prime membership with a discounted prescription program, RxPass. Earlier this year, the company launched a program to help clients access services for chronic conditions.
Beyond prescribing weight loss medications, The Vitamin Shoppe also promotes its protein, probiotic, and fiber supplements to support weight loss while providing essential nutrients.
“Whole Health Rx by The Vitamin Shoppe represents a significant evolution in our company’s mission to consistently and comprehensively meet the health needs of our customers,” Lee Wright, CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe, said in a statement. “As we continue to strengthen The Vitamin Shoppe's position as a leading destination for lifelong wellness, Whole Health Rx will expand to meet other health needs beyond management weight.”
However, as retailers move more into the healthcare industry, some have had to restructure or close their operations completely. Last month, Walmart announced plans to closed its 51 medical centers as well as its virtual health service, as it could not make a profit in the sector. Meanwhile, after buy One Medical for $3.9 billion in February 2023Amazon closed several One Medical offices a year later in New York, Minneapolis and St. Petersburg, Florida, to reduce costs.