Collaboration is the key to success with independents — part one

posted by Megan Moyer A couple of years ago we authored a white paper that was sponsored by HDMA and CHPA about supply chain collaboration and how it could help all involved improve their success in independent pharmacy. As it relates to wholesalers, there were some recommended action items that I wanted to revisit. First … Read more

Interview with health coach and pharmacist Stacy Bennett — part one

by Jen Johnston Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Stacy Bennett, RPh, CHHC of Health Coach Pharmacist to talk through how she is incorporating health coaching into her pharmacy practice. I hope this post will give you some ideas of how you can incorporate health coaching into your pharmacy practice, either by becoming a certified … Read more

I heart pharmacists!

by Jenny Kosek As a course of business, for the past thirty years HRG has conducted research with the independent pharmacies we serve with our merchandising and pricing services. I was lucky enough to participate in these calls, and after speaking with some half-dozen pharmacists who also serve as front-end managers, I would like to say: … Read more

Superhero status

by Dave Wendland You won’t find them in capes, leaping tall buildings, or catching bullets in mid-air, but these white-coated professionals are indeed healthcare superheroes. And I believe the role of the pharmacist in the United States is about to become more pronounced. Healthcare reform is dictating the need for front-line healthcare professionals to guide consumer … Read more

15 minutes or less

by Megan Moyer What is your greatest competitive advantage? We have great customer service. We know our patients and they are in and out within 5-10 minutes of arriving. That’s a question and response from our independent pharmacist survey that we conducted in fall of 2012 as part of our research into independent pharmacy shoppers. … Read more

Ye olde marketing is still good marketing

by Jenny Kosek

Ever been to a Renaissance Faire? Every summer, I am among the fearless and dorky who don upholstery fabric and corsetry to enjoy a day of contrived historical fantasy at my local faire. One of the main attractions of any such festival is the many vendors who set up shop to sell their wares on the grounds. Exquisite, handmade costumes, jewelry, leather crafts, pottery, and wood carved objects are sold by dedicated artisans who make their livings travelling from festival to festival throughout the year. Selling as much of their products as possible is their daily bread-and-butter.

Their potential shoppers have never heard of their brand. These craftspeople don’t advertise on TV, and Renaissance Faires don’t have billboards above the vendors to attract passersby. So how do these intrepid salespeople sell their products?

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The Fresh Revolution

by Jenny Kosek

Like so many communities, we have an omnipresent grocery chain in our area that, quite simply, everyone shops at. You know the one: the chain with an inescapable number of locations, the chain so ubiquitous that when people say, “I’m going to the grocery store,” there’s no question which grocery store they’re headed to.

So it’s been interesting to watch this chain embrace the demands of consumers seeking fresh food and healthier lifestyles.

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No flu shots at your store? You can still build sales during flu season

0by Jenny Kosek

Two-thirds of U.S. pharmacists have completed the 20 hour pharmacy-based immunization training offered by the American Pharmacist’s Association. Have you?

All 50 states allow pharmacists who have completed this training to offer immunizations in their stores, positioning those pharmacies to attract consumers who seek convenient immunizations without the need to schedule doctor’s visits. Large chains have capitalized on this opportunity during flu season by not only offering walk-in immunization clinics, but by tying immunizations to retail promotions. For instance, consumers who get their flu shots at Safeway locations this year will also receive a coupon for 10% off their basket ring at their next shopping trip. United Supermarkets offers $5 off a grocery purchase to anyone who gets immunized during the month of September.

You can offer similar incentives to attract shoppers to your store for vaccines, but if no one on your staff is certified to administer those vaccines, there are still opportunities for you to increase incremental sales during flu season. As convenient as it has become to receive flu vaccinations, only 46% of Americans choose to do so. That means a lot of consumers and their loved ones will contract the flu this year, and your pharmacy can be the destination they seek to speed up recoveries.

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The Dollars and the Indies: Pt. 3

by Jenny Kosek

Dollar stores are positioned either in areas underserved by supermarkets or drug stores, or in strip malls next to big box retailers to lure consumers to a faster, easier shopping experience. Where is your store? Chances are you’re in a small downtown or perhaps well away from busy retail areas in your community. So how can you make sure customers know where to find you to enjoy the convenience, competitive cost, and incredible customer service you pharmacy offers?

You’ve got to market to them.

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