900 pharmacists will shut down by 2016, according to AT Kearney, the management consultancy. Its main threat will come from online pharmacies. It also warns that as things stand, pharmacists face a 44% cut in pre-tax profits by then. They need to change their practices in order to survive, including by being more efficient and focusing their services on what the public wants from them in the future. The consultancy was particularly concerned for independent pharmacists, as they suffered the disadvantage compared to large retailers who can use their pharmacies as loss leaders. However, the advantage that independents have is a more confidential setting for consultations.