Russians stick to drug stores rather than on-line drug deliveries.

Almost half of Russians prefer to stick to the traditional drug stores rather than modern online services.  Inconvenient web-sites and cell applications, inability to consult the pharmacist, and the long-time click-for-receipt procedure are main obstacles to use of new technologies

Russians stick to drug stores rather than on-line drug deliveries.

Romir research holding performed a survey of 1,500 Russians aged over 18 in different regions; according to this, drug stores are the most preferred places to buy drugs, rather than online services. Particularly, 9% of responders had no idea of online drug purchase. Only 13% of responders noted regular online drug purchase; 31% of the responders sometimes use such services, and 47% never use these.

Statistics demonstrates that the majority of those who refuse online orders aged over 60. Middle-aged respondents are more flexible in terms of new technologies and are successful with the Internet.

Advantages of traditional drug-stores comprise convenience (stated by >50% of the respondents), quick purchase and possibility to consult a pharmacist on any issue.

Even the demand increase due to the pandemic has failed to make online services more popular. The population still uses traditional drug-stores and is not ready to deal with innovations.

Marina Shepotinenko, Head of customer relations at Romir, claims that some day online pharmacy services will become typical, but adaptation will be required. Soon rapid change in consumer preferences cannot be predicted, even if critical situations occur, such as the coronavirus pandemic; adaptation of the consumers will be gradual.