Unlike Canada, and most of Europe, where the romance of community pharmacy is still celebrated as the dominant structure for wellness services and the distribution of pharmaceuticals, the American distribution system shifted starting in the 1980’s to rapid growth by regional/national pharmacy chains that grew by acquisitions, mergers, and new store openings. It wasn’t long before big-box retailers added pharmacy departments and mail order pharmacy joined the parade. Today, independent/community pharmacies only account for 35% of all retail pharmacies in America. In contrast, Germany passed national legislation that limits any pharmacist or company from owning more than six pharmacies. Result: most communities throughout Germany still have their own trusted pharmacy.

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