Walgreens’ experience with Theranos is a stark reminder of the pitfalls of a hasty response to competitive pressures.
The retailer, along with its rivals in the space, including CVS, have looked to healthcare and wellness for growth. Those efforts have only intensified in recent years. CVS transformed itself into a major healthcare force with the $69 billion acquisition of insurer Aetna and launch of its HealthHub store concepts that include medical help, among several other efforts. Walgreens has also added primary care clinics to some stores.
