5 Pharmacy Trends Driving Revenue Growth in 2026

Pharmacies across Europe are under increasing pressure. Rising labor costs, higher prescription volumes, and shifting patient expectations are pushing traditional models to their limits.

In 2026, pharmacies that invest in secure, compliant 24/7 automation and digital self-service solutions powered by automation technologies have a clear advantage.

These investments improve efficiency, patient access, and service quality.

Below are five key trends shaping growth in the coming year — and how pharmacies can benefit today.

These shifts mark a major growth area for pharmacies that act today.

1. Demand for 24/7 Access Is Reshaping Patient Expectations

Patients increasingly expect access to health products outside traditional opening hours. Urban lifestyles, digital habits, and new work models amplify the demand for fast, flexible supply.

In Austria, pharmacies like Brauhaus Apotheke and Walfisch Apotheke have already implemented 24/7 self-service systems to meet these expectations.

CareApo24 supports this trend with fully autonomous solutions for direct sales and pickup — including dynamic displays, payment options, and optional age/ID verification (depending on local regulation).

2. Automation Reduces Workload and Supports Staff Efficiency

Pharmacy teams are heavily burdened by high prescription volumes, administrative tasks, and regulatory requirements.

Automation is helping ease this burden.

Automation is gaining importance internationally because it streamlines processes, reduces errors, and creates more time for patient counseling.

With CareApo24, many pharmacies have already automated dispensing and pickup processes, significantly reducing manual workload.

3. Embracing Digital and Self-Service UX Aligns with Patient Behavior

Patients now expect experiences that mirror e-commerce: fast, intuitive, and frictionless. Pharmacies must adapt to stay competitive.

Self-service systems with touchscreen, digital assortments, contactless payments, and a web-like user interface offer exactly that — while opening new sales channels.

This is the pharmacy of the future.

4. Data-driven counseling becomes a differentiator

As healthcare becomes more personalized, data-driven counseling grows in value. Customers expect not only products, but guidance, recommendations, and tailored experiences.

Expanded Product Ranges Drive Incremental Revenue with OTC healthcare, wellness, and lifestyle products and a broad range of product options.

Digital systems help track demand, pickup patterns, and bestsellers — giving pharmacies insights for assortment planning, store layout, and campaigns.

5. Compliant dispensing of sensitive products becomes more important

Connected, Modular Systems Protect Future Growth by providing infrastructure that can adapt, powered by modular systems and holistic automation.

With CareApo24's modular platform, pharmacies can scale infrastructure flexibly and expand without disruption.

Automated dispensing is especially relevant for sensitive product groups — such as tobacco products, nicotine replacement, or OTC items with age restrictions.

Automated tobacco systems and TPD-compliant self-service are in focus across many markets because they combine retail access with regulatory compliance.

CareApo24 supports pharmacies with solutions that address legal requirements such as age checks and documented dispensing — unlocking new revenue potential.

Position Your Pharmacy for Growth in 2026

The 2026 trends are clear: pharmacies must rethink service, efficiency, and availability. 24/7 automation, digital self-service, and connected systems are no longer “nice-to-have” — they are strategic growth drivers.

With CareApo24, pharmacies can open new revenue streams, relieve staff, and supply patients around the clock — securely, discreetly, and compliantly.

Discover how CareApo24 can support your pharmacy’s growth.