- Amazon (AMZN +0.5%) is evaluating options to make a foothold in the space of physical retail pharmacies in the U.S., Business Insider says citing people familiar with the matter.
- The plans part of the tech giant’s intentions to take a bigger share in the prescription drug industry are not finalized yet, the people have said noting the mostly exploratory nature of discussions.
- It could take at least a year before any meaningful rollout of physical stores, one of the people said.
- The company has considered opening standalone stores in several areas including Boston and Phoenix and has held talks for locating some stores inside its Whole Foods chain.
- Related tickers: CVS Health Corporation (CVS -3.1%), Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA -4.7%), Rite Aid Corporation (RAD -4.4%)
The retail stores could help company accelerate shipments to patients with more urgent needs thereby increasing the clientele it currently serves with Amazon Pharmacy.