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Can Big-Box Retailers Provide Local Health Care?

By: Robert S. Huckman
  • Format:Electronic
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Abstract

National retailers, most notably Walmart and Best Buy, are making big bets on their ability to fill this need for local health care. At first glance, these moves are a bit surprising given that these companies have not traditionally been focused on health care delivery. But inroads made by e-retailers has left these companies with two sets of resources—large store locations and an army of low-wage employees—that are at risk of becoming stranded assets. And recent announcements from Walmart and Best Buy suggest that the companies may see the provision of local health care as an opportunity to redeploy their store employees.

Keywords

Health Care and Treatment; Service Delivery; Local Range; Retail Industry; Health Industry

Citation

Huckman, Robert S. "Can Big-Box Retailers Provide Local Health Care?" Harvard Business Review (website) (October 25, 2019).
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About The Author

Robert S. Huckman

Technology and Operations Management
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