Spotlight Session: GLP-1s and the Pharmacy of the Future

One of the timeliest topics that took center stage at NACDS was the rise of GLP-1s and how this emerging category is reshaping the healthcare and retail landscape. The discussion focused on the far-reaching potential of GLP-1 medications not only in weight management but as catalysts for broader shifts in how consumers approach food, wellness, and preventative care. Discussions examined how GLP-1s are already influencing CPG innovation, pharmacy workflows, and strategic planning across the industry.

For retailers and brands alike, the takeaway was clear: understanding GLP-1 usage trends and adjacent category demand will be key to staying ahead.

4 Key Industry Themes from NACDS 2025

1. Tariffs, Procurement, and Packaging Pressure

One of the most urgent themes at NACDS 2025 was the mounting pressure from tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and rising packaging costs, particularly for personal care and beauty brands. The recently implemented (and revised) 145% tariff on goods from China has intensified sourcing challenges across the industry, with ingredients like botanical extracts, emulsifiers, and preservatives now more expensive and harder to obtain. Many brands also rely heavily on Chinese packaging components—jars, tubes, bottles, and labels—that are now significantly costlier to import. Retailers, unable to absorb these added expenses, are already raising prices, passing the burden onto consumers. In response, brands are being forced to adapt quickly, reevaluating procurement strategies and considering localized alternatives to mitigate margin erosion and maintain supply continuity.

2. Food as Medicine: Healthspan vs. Lifespan

Another major topic was the urgent need to shift from reactive “sick care” to proactive “healthspan” strategies that prioritize wellness and disease prevention. Discussions surrounded a broader movement gaining traction across the industry—one that reimagines food, supplements, and lifestyle products as essential components of healthcare delivery. With consumers increasingly focused on long-term vitality rather than short-term fixes, this shift presents a powerful opportunity for retailers and CPG brands to align their strategies with a wellness-first mindset. From functional foods to condition-specific supplements, companies that embed health-driven innovation into their offerings will be best positioned to lead in this emerging paradigm.

3. The Rise of Consumer Healthcare

NACDS 2025 also spotlighted the growing influence of consumer healthcare in reshaping the retail landscape. There was an emphasis on a future where over-the-counter (OTC) products, preventative screenings, and tech-enabled solutions play a central role in empowering consumers to manage their own wellness journeys. From skin cancer advocacy campaigns to AI-driven education tools, the event highlighted how brands are collaborating with retailers, healthcare providers, and public institutions to drive greater access and awareness. As the lines between healthcare, CPG, and retail continue to blur, these emerging partnerships signal a new era of integrated, consumer-first health management.

4. Pharmacy’s Call to Action

There was also a powerful message on the need for unity and transformation within the retail pharmacy space. At the event, there was an emphasis on the urgency of reimagining pharmacy models to better serve evolving consumer health and wellness needs. From expanding the role of pharmacists in preventative care to integrating digital health solutions, the future of pharmacy hinges on breaking down silos and embracing cross-sector collaboration. The call to action underscored a shared industry responsibility: to collectively shape a more responsive, accessible, and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem.

What’s Next: Turning Challenges into Strategy

As retailers and suppliers face mounting pressures from tariffs, sourcing disruptions, and cost inflation, businesses need help turning complexity into clarity. From guiding omnichannel pricing strategies to advising on packaging shifts triggered by the 145% China tariff, data and foresight are key to adapting quickly. With personal care, beauty, and wellness categories particularly exposed to global supply challenges, actionable insights are essential to minimize risk, protect margins, and maintain shopper trust in an increasingly price-sensitive environment.

At the same time, the growing convergence of health and wellness with retail presents a clear opportunity for innovation. CPGs and retailers alike need to tie evolving consumer expectations, like the demand for preventative care and functional products, directly into innovation pipelines and in-store execution strategies. The NACDS Annual Meeting confirmed what many in the industry already feel: transformation is urgent, and a data-driven strategy is the path forward.