Top 10 Pharmacy Franchises You Can Invest in 2024

Javier Barragan
January 3, 2024

Dive into the realm of pharmacy franchises! Embark on an entrepreneurial journey with the top picks of 2024. From accessible investments to soaring market demand, we've compiled a curated selection of opportunities that could be your prescription for success. Welcome to the dynamic world of pharmacy franchises.

Top Pharmacy Franchise With Lowest Investment

This category consists of franchises that offer affordable options for entrepreneurs to enter the pharmacy industry without a significant upfront investment. Despite their affordability, they provide quality services and support.

Benzer

Founded: 2009
Franchise:
2016
Units:
23
Initial Investment: $157,810 - $304,110
Franchise Fee: $2,500
Royalty Fee: $800/mo

Benzer Pharmacy is a retail pharmacy franchise that focuses on providing affordable and accessible healthcare services to local communities. They offer prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and personalized pharmacy care. Benzer Pharmacy strives to build strong relationships with customers, offering competitive pricing, convenient services, and expert advice to meet their medication needs.

Benzer top pharmaci franhcise with the lowest cost
source:franchise.benzerpharmacy.com

Top 4 Pharmacy Franchises With High Market Demand

Especially in the pharmaceutical industry, where there is a constant need for goods and services, franchises in this category operate in markets with high demand on a consistent basis.

Good Neighbor Pharmacy

Founded: 1953
Franchise:
2009
Units:
2152
Initial Investment: $278,797 - $575,705

Good Neighbor Pharmacy is a network of independent pharmacies that prioritize personalized care and community involvement. They offer a comprehensive range of prescription medications, health products, and pharmacy services tailored to meet the unique needs of local customers. Good Neighbor Pharmacy focuses on fostering strong relationships with patients, providing trusted advice, and supporting community health initiatives.

Good Neighbor Pharmacy top pharmacy franchise with high market demand
source:mygnp.com

Medicap Pharmacy

Founded: 1971
Franchising since:
1973
Units:
237
Initial Investment: $22,100 – $447,000
Franchise Fee: $15,000
Royalty Fee:
3%

Medicap Pharmacy is a franchise that focuses on providing personalized pharmacy services to local communities. They offer a wide range of prescription medications, over-the-counter products, health screenings, and wellness consultations. Medicap Pharmacy strives to build strong relationships with customers by offering convenient services, expert advice, and a welcoming, community-oriented pharmacy experience.

Meicap pharmacy top pharmacy franchise with high market demand
source: medicap.com

Health Mart Pharmacy

Founded: 1996
Franchising since:
1997
Units:
4690
Initial Investment: $2,275 - $654,250

Health Mart is a network of independently owned and operated pharmacies committed to serving local communities. They provide a wide range of prescription medications, health products, and personalized care services. Health Mart pharmacies prioritize accessibility, affordability, and exceptional customer service, striving to be a trusted healthcare resource for individuals and families in their neighborhoods.

Health Mart Top pharmacy franchises with high market demand
source: healthmart.com

The Medicine Shoppe

Founded: 1968
Franchise:
1971
Units:
1312
Initial Investment: $77,000 – $152,500
Franchise Fee: $10,000
Royalty Fee:
2% - 5.5%

The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy is a franchise known for its patient-centered approach and customized pharmaceutical care. They offer prescription medications, compounding services, medication therapy management, and health consultations. The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy emphasizes building trust and providing individualized care to patients, ensuring optimal medication outcomes and a positive pharmacy experience.

The medicine shoppe tope pharmacy franchise with high market demand
source: medicineshoppe.com

Top 5 Pharmacy Franchises With Strong Brand Recognition

This category includes franchises with well-established brands and a strong reputation in their respective industries, providing entrepreneurs the advantage of leveraging existing brand recognition to drive business growth.

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101 Mobility

Founded: 2008
Franchising since:
2010
Units:
194
Initial Investment: $118,390 - $216,220
Franchise Fee:
$35,000 - $60,000
Royalty Fee:
5%-7%

101 Mobility offer goods and services to help people with impairments and mobility issues. Stairlifts, wheelchair ramps, platform lifts, patient lifts, and other goods are available through the franchise. These solutions are meant to increase accessibility and raise the standard of living for people who have mobility issues.

101 Mobility top pharmacy franchise with strong brand recognition
source: 101mobility.com

Pearle Vision

Founded: 1969
Franchising since:
1980
Units:
548
Initial Investment: $415,520 - $644,260
Franchise Fee:
$30,000
Royalty Fee:
7%-8%

A well-known brand on a global scale, Pearle Vision is renowned for its dedication to offering complete eye care solutions. You would become a part of a network of eyecare specialists that are committed to providing their communities with top-notch vision care if you become a Pearle Vision franchisee. Pearle Vision focuses on providing individualized treatment with the goal of providing great service and assisting clients in achieving the best possible eye health and vision.

Pearle Vision top pharmacy franchsie with strong brand recognition
source: ownapearlevision.com

Miracle Ear

Founded: 1985
Franchising since:
1987
Units:
105
Initial Investment: $228,500 - $437,000
Franchise Fee:
$39,500
Royalty Fee:
6%-2%

Miracle-Ear is known for providing innovative hearing solutions and exceptional customer service. As a Miracle-Ear franchisee, you would have the opportunity to help individuals with hearing loss by offering a range of advanced hearing aids and related services. Miracle-Ear locations provide comprehensive hearing evaluations, customized fittings, ongoing support, and follow-up care to ensure optimal hearing health for their customers.

Miracle Ear top pharmacy franchise with strong brand recognition
source: miracle-ear.com

Dentist's Choice

Founded: 1992
Franchising since:
1994
Units:
138
Initial Investment: $55,400 - $59,500
Franchise Fee:
$45,000
Royalty Fee:
3%-5%

A prominent franchise offering expert dental handpiece and equipment repair services is called Dentist's Choice. Dentist's Choice has become a reputable supplier in the dentistry sector by focusing on aiding dental professionals in maintaining and extending the lifespan of their equipment. To guarantee you give top-notch services to your customers, the franchise offers extensive training on equipment repair techniques, troubleshooting, and customer service.

Dentist;s Choice top pharmacy francise with strong brand recognition
source: thedentistschoice.com

Guardian Pharmacy

Founded: 1965
Franchising in:
1965
Units:
2,400+
Initial Investment: $100,000 - $1Million
Franchise Fee: $50,000 - $100,000
Royalty Fee:
5% -8%

Guardian Pharmacy is a leading long-term care pharmacy provider, serving assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and other senior care facilities. They offer customized medication packaging, timely delivery, and consulting services to support the unique medication needs of senior residents. Guardian Pharmacy is dedicated to enhancing medication safety, adherence, and overall resident well-being in long-term care settings.

Guardian Pharmacy top pharmacy franchise with strong brand recognition
source: guardianpharmacies.com

Pharmacy franchises

Pharmacy franchises play a pivotal role in the healthcare sector, extending their services beyond conventional medication dispensation. These establishments serve as platforms that seamlessly amalgamate the public's need for convenient access to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, health and wellness products, and at times, even health counsel and immunizations, with the enterprising essence of franchising.

This amalgamation engenders a resilient business model, leveraging the burgeoning healthcare industry while steadfastly delivering indispensable services to local communities. Pharmacy franchises exhibit a kaleidoscope of diversity, spanning from modest neighborhood enterprises to expansive, nationally renowned brands, each distinguished by its distinct approaches and breadth of offerings.

In an era where healthcare assumes heightened significance, pharmacy franchises assume a vanguard position, forging connections between the medical realm and patients. They furnish an exhilarating opportunity for entrepreneurs aspiring to make meaningful contributions to community health, harmoniously operating within a proven and supportive franchise ecosystem. Be it dispensing vital medications, proffering health consultations, or simply providing a welcoming countenance for discussions on health concerns, pharmacy franchises persist as integral components of the global healthcare framework.

What are the Requirements of Owning Pharmacy Franchise in North America?

In North America, the specific requirements for owning a dispensing pharmacy may vary according to each state, local, and jurisdictional regulation. However, in most cases, to own and operate a dispensing pharmacy, you must have a pharmacist degree or be licensed as a pharmacist. 

There are a few states in the United States that allow non-pharmacists to own a drug dispensing pharmacy under certain circumstances. Here are a few examples:

  • Colorado: Colorado allows non-pharmacists to own a pharmacy under specific conditions. The pharmacy must be located in a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or nursing home, and the non-pharmacist owner must have a business partnership with a licensed pharmacist who is responsible for the professional aspects of the pharmacy.
  • Kansas: Kansas allows non-pharmacists to own a pharmacy through the formation of a professional corporation (PC) or professional limited liability company (PLLC). The non-pharmacist owner must employ a licensed pharmacist responsible for the pharmacy's professional aspects.New Mexico:
  • New Mexico: New Mexico allows non-pharmacists to own a pharmacy through the formation of a corporation, limited liability company, or partnership. However, the non-pharmacist owner must have a contractual agreement with a licensed pharmacist who is responsible for the professional aspects of the pharmacy.

It's important to note that even in these states, there are usually specific requirements and restrictions in place to ensure that the pharmacy operates under the supervision and responsibility of a licensed pharmacist. Additionally, the ownership regulations may differ for different types of pharmacies, such as community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, or specialty pharmacies.

How Profitable It Is To Own A Pharmacy Franchise?

Pharmacy franchises are poised to benefit from several key growth drivers in the years to come. Aging populations, increased incidence of chronic diseases, expanded healthcare coverage, and innovations in pharmaceuticals all contribute to the robust outlook for the pharmacy industry.

In 2020, the global pharmaceuticals market was valued at nearly $1.27 trillion, with a forecasted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5.7% from 2021 to 2028, reaching $1.7 trillion by the end of that period. As an integral part of the pharmaceuticals market, pharmacy franchises stand to gain significantly from this growth.

Meanwhile, the U.S. pharmacy and drug store industry, which includes pharmacy franchises, generated over $330 billion in revenue in 2020. This number is projected to grow at a steady pace, with projections estimating the industry reaching a value of $375 billion by 2025.

Profit margins vary depending on several factors, but pharmacy franchises typically aim for gross margins in the range of 20-25%. Some successful pharmacy franchises report net profit margins, after deducting operating expenses, in the 3-5% range.

By 2028, the global pharmacy automation devices market, which includes technologies like automatic dispensing cabinets, pill dispensers, and more, is projected to reach a market value of approximately $8.6 billion, showing the potential for technology to increase efficiency and profitability in the pharmacy sector.

Pharmacy Franchise Cost And Initial Investment 

Embarking on a pharmacy franchise venture encompasses an amalgamation of costs, exhibiting considerable variability contingent upon diverse factors. The investment outlay hinges upon the franchise brand's specificity, the franchise's size and location, necessary renovations or construction, as well as inventory costs. Here are general cost ranges associated with commencing a pharmacy franchise:

Initial Franchise Fee: This one-time remittance, rendered to the franchisor for availing the privilege of employing their brand and business model, can span a spectrum ranging from approximately $25,000 to $50,000 or potentially more, contingent upon the franchise under consideration.

Inventory: For a pharmacy, inventory costs assume significant proportions. This encompasses a range spanning from $70,000 to $150,000 or potentially more, dependent on the pharmacy's size and the comprehensive array of products intended for stocking.

Leasehold Improvements and Equipment: These costs encompass the financial implications of equipping your location, encompassing necessary renovations, pharmacy shelving, counters, fixtures, and the acquisition of vital equipment such as computers, cash registers, and dispensing apparatus. This spectrum can traverse a range stretching from $50,000 to $200,000 or potentially more.

Working Capital: It is prudent to ensure the availability of supplementary funds to underwrite operational expenses, particularly during the nascent stages when revenues may not yet suffice to encompass all costs. Allocating an additional $50,000 to $100,000 or potentially more is advisable.

The aggregate investment for initiating a pharmacy franchise can encompass a range extending from approximately $200,000 to $500,000 or potentially more, contingent upon a constellation of variables. Beyond these costs, it is essential to bear in mind that numerous franchises levy ongoing fees such as royalty fees, typically a percentage of gross sales, and advertising fees that contribute to the franchisor's nationwide marketing endeavors.

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