Waukesha, Wisconsin — July 13, 2021 — Results of HRG’s Independent Pharmacy Research Study will be part of the featured content during Cardinal Health’s Retail Business Conference (RBC), held July 14-15. Dave Wendland, vice president strategic relations at HRG and member of the owner group, recorded the presentation which features highlights from the analysis of the market research the company conducted in 2020, surveying independent pharmacists, independent pharmacy shoppers, and reviewing indie pharmacy POS data.
Among the information provided, Wendland describes who is shopping at independents, what differentiates these retailers, and where the biggest opportunities lie. He also outlines the most interesting findings from the study, including the importance of pharmacist recommendations when it comes to shoppers’ decision-making on non-prescription purchases.
Wendland, who recently moderated a session about consumer behavior trends at United Fresh Produce Association’s Reimagine Conversations online series, notes that the study indicated independent pharmacies are attracting younger shoppers — a trend that was unexpected. Wendland said, “When we think of shoppers patronizing independents, we tend to think of consumers 50+, however, we found that one in four shoppers is age 40 and under, which opens a lot of opportunity for these stores to build loyalty and solidify a long-term customer base.” The study uncovered a number of insights that independent pharmacies can use to build their business and differentiate from competitors. “From services that shoppers are looking for, to the categories they wish contained more products, these small businesses have demonstrated how nimble they can be and now is the time to adjust to new consumer behaviors to remain a trusted source of health and wellness solutions,” commented Wendland.