11 Biggest Walgreens Competitors (Your Full Guide)

Walgreens Boots Alliance owns Walgreens, the second-biggest pharmacy chain in the United States with 8,951 stores and revenue of $139.5 billion in 2020.

But did you know that Walgreens is just one of several retail pharmacies in the United States? If you’re curious about which companies compete with Walgreens, you’re in the right place. I’ve researched Walgreens’ top 11 competitors!

Walgreens Competitors In 2024

The biggest Walgreens competitor is CVS Health, and CVS has remained the biggest pharmacy chain within America as of 2024. However, Rite Aid, Target, Walmart, and Kroger compete with Walgreens. All of these companies offer prescription services and general merchandise to consumers. Also, Walgreens has competition from Express Scripts, which Cigna acquired in 2018.

Do you want to know more about Walgreens’ competitors, such as how they rank in revenue and what they offer? Keep reading to find out all the details and essential facts!

1. CVS Health

CVS is the main competitor to Walgreens, and it’s also the biggest pharmacy chain in the United States, with 9,954 locations throughout the United States.

On top of that, CVS Health reported revenue for 2020 as $268.7 billion, which is substantially higher than Walgreens!

Further, CVS offers the same services as Walgreens, including:

  • Pharmacy services with delivery
  • Open 24-hours (some locations)
  • Photo lab services
  • Retail section

2. Rite Aid

Rite Aid is a drug store chain in the United States that competes with Walgreens with 2,427 locations throughout 17 states.

Furthermore, it competes with Walgreens in both pharmacy services, including mail-in and pickup, and has health, beauty, photo services, and a small retail section in its stores.

Additionally, Rite Aid reported that in 2020 revenue topped $21.928 billion.

3. Kroger

Kroger is the biggest supermarket chain in the United States, going by revenue. Therefore, it competes with Walgreens in pharmacy services and general merchandise.

Currently, there are around 3,000 Kroger locations nationwide, and almost all sites have a pharmacy to serve customers.

On top of that, Kroger offers a variety of healthcare products in its stores and has a prescription drug discount that’ll save you money if you lack insurance or are underinsured.

Also, Kroger reported $132.5 billion in revenue for 2020, which is lower than Walgreens’ revenue. However, Walgreens offers less product selection in its stores overall.

4. Walmart

Walmart is a giant retail corporation that competes with Walgreens in both pharmacy services and other household products.

Furthermore, Walmart is substantially cheaper than Walgreens when it comes to prescription medications and other general merchandise.

On top of that, there are nearly 5,000 Walmart locations in the United States, and Walmart’s revenue for 2020 exceeded $559 billion!

5. McKesson

McKesson is a wholesaler of pharmaceutical products and is the fourth-largest pharmacy chain in the United States.

On top of that, McKesson provides medical supplies, offers care management, and is in the health information technology sector.

That said, it’s a competitor to Walgreens and boasts more than 5,000 locations through Health Mart.

Also, McKesson’s revenue for 2020 topped $231.051 billion, which shows how powerful this drug distributor is and how important it is for the pharmaceutical industry.

6. Target

6. Target Walgreens

Target is one of the biggest retail chains in the United States and is a competitor to Walgreens in both pharmacy services and general retail.

With over 1,926 locations in the United States, it offers customers cheap prescription drugs, and nearly all Target stores have a pharmacy available.

Further, Target’s revenue in 2020 topped $93 billion as it continues to expand its presence and grow its eCommerce division.

7. Cigna (Express Scripts)

Cigna acquired Express Scripts in 2018 and has become quite the competitor to Walgreens regarding pharmacy services.

Furthermore, Express Scripts operates as a pharmacy benefit management company that includes specialty pharmacy services, home delivery of prescriptions, and much more!

Additionally, Cigna reported $160.4 billion in revenue in 2020, which was primarily due to Express Scripts.

8. OptumRx

OptumRx is a part of UnitedHealth Group, and it’s a pharmacy care services company that offers home delivery of prescriptions, specialty pharmacy services, and networks with retail stores.

In 2020, revenue for OptumRx was $136.3 billion, proving it’s a leader in home pharmacy services where you can manage your healthcare without ever leaving your home.

9. Albertsons

Albertsons is a grocery chain that provides pharmacy services and competes with Walgreens in health products, retail, and pharmacy services.

Also, almost all Albertsons locations have a pharmacy.

So, with 389 locations throughout the United States, it’s a go-to store for thousands of people who have both pharmacy and grocery needs.

Additionally, Albertsons posted revenue of billion for 2020, which is decent for a company with fewer locations than most other pharmacy and grocery stores.

10. Costco

Costco is a wholesale retailer competing with Walgreens since it offers pharmacy services, general merchandise, and health and beauty products in-store.

On top of that, Costco operates 550 stores in 48 states, so it’s widely available for people to use regardless of location.

Further, Costco reported $163.22 billion in revenue in 2020, and it’s only growing stronger as more people find wholesale retail clubs to be the best way to save money.

11. Publix

Publix competes with Walgreens since it offers pharmacy services, general merchandise, and groceries in its stores.

Additionally, Publix has over 1,300 locations in the United States throughout the Southern portion of the country and offers low-cost prescriptions.

Also, Publix’s revenue for 2020 topped $44.9 billion and has been one of the leading grocery chains for loyal customers and excellent customer service.

To learn more, you can also read our posts on Walgreens mission statement, Walgreens slogan, and the Walgreens statistics, facts & trends.

Conclusion

The main competitor to Walgreens is CVS Health, and Walgreens has been stuck behind CVS for years. That said, CVS maintains its status as the biggest pharmacy in the United States.

In addition to CVS, Walgreens also sees competition from Rite Aid, another pharmacy retailer in the United States that offers almost identical services and products.

Further, Publix, Kroger, Walmart, and Target are competitors to Walgreens and offer low-cost prescription medications for some common health conditions.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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