Across Europe, grocery retailers are increasingly extending their role beyond food retail into health, wellbeing and lifestyle services. The move reflects both changing consumer expectations and mounting pressure on public healthcare systems, with prevention and everyday health management becoming more prominent.
In Belgium, Colruyt Group launched its Yoboo lifestyle pharmacies combining traditional pharmaceutical services with nutrition advice, diagnostics and curated healthy food ranges. The concept illustrates a broader ambition to build an integrated “food and health” ecosystem, linking retail, digital tools and personalised guidance.
Elsewhere, similar initiatives are emerging. In the Netherlands, Albert Heijn has expanded its in-store health proposition through partnerships with dieticians and digital personal training and coaching via its app, alongside a growing assortment of functional and health-focused products. The retailer positions itself as a facilitator of healthier living rather than solely a grocer.
In the UK, Tesco and Sainsbury's have both introduced health services ranging from pharmacy counters to opticians and, in some locations, GP-style clinics operated with third-party providers. Meanwhile, Boots, often co-located with grocery, continues to deepen its healthcare offer, piloting in-store weight-loss clinics in a dozen locations, highlighting the growing convergence between food, pharmacy and primary care.
France provides further examples. Carrefour has invested in in-store clinics and telemedicine solutions, enabling customers to consult healthcare professionals while shopping. The retailer has also emphasised preventive health through nutrition scoring and tailored product recommendations.
In Germany, dm-drogerie markt has expanded wellness services, including in-store consultations and a broad offer spanning nutrition, supplements and personal care, blurring the lines between drugstore and health hub.
These developments point to a structural shift: stores are evolving into local service centres where food, health advice and lifestyle support intersect. For retailers, this creates new revenue streams and deeper customer relationships. For consumers, it offers accessible, everyday touchpoints for managing health, often embedded within routine shopping journeys.