By Dave Wendland for Drug Store News August 14, 2017 Last night was an especially clear summer night in Wisconsin. As my little sister was zipping along in her newly-acquired convertible, a canvas of brilliantly-shining stars opened up overhead. It was at that moment I wondered if outstanding customer service levels at retail could … Read More
Human Interaction: How Pharmacies Can Build Revenue Through Patient Interaction
Written by and published in Elements magazine, June 15, 2017 You can’t easily measure the effects of human interaction, so it’s easy to overlook it as a way to boost revenue. Too much time socializing may even be viewed by some as a detriment to the bottom line. From a numbers perspective, meaningful interaction with patients … Read More
Common Interest: Add Value to Your Independent Pharmacy by Forming Unusual Community Partnerships
Written by and published in Elements magazine, March 15, 2017 When your pharmacy forms partnerships, you probably look to physicians or local community centers. But other—more unusual—partnership opportunities exist in your community that could benefit your pharmacy and your patients. “I think if pharmacists looked around their community, they would see a tremendous amount of … Read More
Retail Pricing: Tips and Best Practices for More Effective Front-End Pricing
Written by and published in Elements magazine, December 15, 2016 Keeping up with the competition is likely a top priority for your independent community pharmacy. And, while it may seem impossible to beat competitors’ retail prices, it’s not always about having the lowest price. “Sometimes stores get wrapped up thinking they need to match Wal-Mart, … Read More
Menu, please: Drug stores need to take a page from other retailers
By Dave Wendland for Drug Store News November 28, 2016 If you recall from my most recent blog post, I’m writing about honoring one my father’s favorite pastimes – dreaming up ideas that haven’t been thought of yet. Focusing on retail pharmacy, I’m happy to share another of my mind meanderings. There is no disagreement … Read More
Transitions Grow Transactions: How Transitions of Care Provide an Untapped Retail Market
Written by and published in Elements magazine, September 15, 2016 When patients are discharged from the hospital, they must transition to caring for themselves in a home setting, which can be difficult. It’s well known that independent community pharmacies can help these patients with their prescription needs, but if your pharmacy only focuses on … Read More
On the Shelf: Tips to Boost Front-End Sales with Engaging Shelf Signs
Written by and published in Elements magazine, June 15, 2016 The signs in your pharmacy’s front end may be just as—if not more—influential to making a sale as the products on the shelf. “Signs sell products, period,” said Tom Boyer, director of national sales at Hamacher Resource Group, a leading partner in category management, business … Read More
Innovative Thinking: Tips to Improve Your Pharmacy Business with Innovation
Written by and published in Elements magazine, March 14, 2016 As the health care landscape changes, pharmacists have to adapt and grow. That starts with thinking differently. “People change. So must pharmacy,” said Dave Wendland, vice president and member of the owners group at Hamacher Resource Group, a leading partner in category management, business strategy … Read More
How to Sell More Skin Care Products (And Why Your Pharmacy Can)
Written by and published in Elements magazine, September 24, 2015 Skin care is often thought of as a category that revolves around beauty, but it can be a complement to your pharmacy’s service offerings, too. A skin care section in your front end can function as a companion to your pharmacy’s care services, as … Read More
Connect With Who Really Shops Your Store
by Dave Wendland, Vice President, Hamacher Resource Group, as seen in Insight Magazine, July 2015, pages 14-15, and on QS/1.com. In October 2014, an article by Hamacher Resource Group entitled “The Power of Profiling” appeared in Insight. That editorial highlighted five shopper types from a 2013 study: Independent Pharmacy Shoppers: Who, What, and Why? … Read More