German Retailer dm Announces Plans for Online Sale of Non-Prescription Medications

As pharmacy closures increase and medication shortages persist, dm aims to launch an online platform for OTC products in late 2025.

Drogerie chain dm has revealed plans to sell non-prescription but pharmacy-only medications through an online store starting in the second half of 2025.
The initiative comes as Germany faces a historic low in pharmacy numbers, with 17,041 remaining in 2024, marking the lowest count since 1978.
Pharmacy associations report significant shortages of critical medications, including antibiotics for children and treatments for asthma and cancer.
dm's CEO, Christoph Werner, suggests that demographic changes and rising healthcare costs may lead to regulatory adjustments, potentially expanding market opportunities.
The company asserts that its goal is to improve access to affordable healthcare products rather than compete directly with traditional pharmacies.