• Chicago Tribune, Thursday, September 2, 2010 10:51 AM

Target is opening five retail medicine clinics this month in the Chicago area and three in Palm Beach, Fla., bringing its total to 36. It launched its first clinic four years ago, Bruce Japsen reports, but it has not been as aggressive as rivals such as CVS/Caremark and Walgreen, which have opened several hundred each.

The clinics, which treat patients for routine illnesses and injuries, will be open seven days a week, with no appointment needed. Fees for most services run $59 to $69, but out-of-pocket costs can be cheaper for those with health coverage. A co-payment can be $20 to $40 per visit, depending on health plans.

"Health and wellness is an important focus for Target," says Keri Jones, svp of merchandising at Target. A spokesman says expansion will be "strategic" and it is not planning a major expansion across the U.S. at this time. It currently has 21 clinics in Minnesota and seven in Maryland.

Read the whole story at Chicago Tribune »