Overview
- CEO Christoph Werner said the company expects to start its Versand-Apotheke before year-end, initially selling non-prescription medicines shipped from Bor, Czech Republic.
- dm is piloting in-store health services in selected locations, including AI-supported skin analysis, blood tests and eye screenings with partner providers.
- Reports indicate Rossmann and Lidl are exploring comparable OTC shipping models, with Rossmann linked to a Netherlands fulfillment setup and Lidl in early partner talks.
- Estimates place Germany’s OTC market between €8.6 billion and roughly €14 billion, with online pharmacy revenue about €3.5 billion and growing at double-digit rates.
- Pharmacists and doctors have voiced criticism and legal constraints remain, while consumer advocates cite strong price transparency online but warn about shipping costs and the importance of in-person advice.