dm will launch its online pharmacy in Germany in 2025, tapping into the $2.7B online OTC market. As traditional pharmacies decline, dm prepares for e-health changes. CEO Werner calls health a "megatrend" reshaping market dynamics.
German retailer dm plans to launch an online pharmacy in 2025, focusing on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. This initiative aims to address shifts in healthcare brought by digital tools like e-prescriptions and telemedicine. The move was first reported by Lebensmittelpraxis, citing Handelsblatt.
Germany's OTC market reached $12B in 2023, with $2.7B from online sales. Traditional pharmacies are struggling, with numbers dropping from 20,000 a decade ago to under 17,300 today. Online competitors like Doc Morris and Shop Apotheke dominate, leveraging convenience and low costs.
dm’s marketing director, Sebastian Bayer, highlighted the urgency to adapt to e-health trends. With 60% of German GPs set to retire within a decade, digital health tools are critical. dm’s strategy addresses this gap, providing fast delivery and diverse options for shoppers.
CEO Christoph Werner described health as a “megatrend,” emphasizing its market-changing potential. Surveys reveal that German customers prioritize affordable prices, rapid service, and product variety when buying medicines online. dm’s upcoming platform aims to meet these expectations.
What impact will dm’s pharmacy have on Germany’s healthcare?
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