Marketing 101 for Pharmacy Owners
by Jen Johnston Marketing is more than selling. It’s not catchy slogans, costly advertising, and gimmicks. It’s not enticing people to do something they don’t want to do. Instead, it’s a way of thinking. It’s an approach to business that puts customers in the spotlight. Marketing is also a way of doing. It’s a living, […]
22. Implement planograms — part one
By Kyle Lentz for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series This is part one of a two-part blog series covering how HRG builds their planograms and why it’s important for independent pharmacies to follow them to maximize profits. Implementing planograms assures that you have the right mix of products, in the […]
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? […]
The independent pharmacy life cycle
by Jen Johnston Every business follows a life cycle, and independent pharmacies are no exception. The basic life cycle is this: Introduction Growth Maturity Decline In the introduction stage, your store is introduced into the marketplace. For many pharmacies, this took place long, long ago. At this stage profit is virtually non-existent, and your money […]
40. “Shop” the aisles
by Tom Boyer for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series As a business owner, it’s important you know your operation inside and out. That includes viewing your store through the eyes of your customers. Considering your customers’ perspective of your pharmacy can give you insights that can be helpful to improving […]
12. Reward employees for spectacular customer service
by Cari Sass for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series Spectacular customer service has become a goal for many retailers. There are many shopping options out there, including similar stores, nearby locations, comparable prices, identical product offerings, not to mention your online competition. Your staff and how they interact with your […]
86. Have an open-house
by Megan Moyer for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series A great way to show appreciation for your customers as well as attract new ones to your store is to hold an open house. It can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. If you’re having an open house as a […]
20. Maintain good in-stock condition
by Kyle Lentz for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series The old saying for independent pharmacy stock levels is, “One for show and one to go.” That’s great for items that typically sell less than one unit per month per store, but what is your philosophy on the higher velocity items that […]
76. Develop a marketing plan
By Courtney T. for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series An essential part of any business plan is the marketing plan. While a business plan gives an organization direction, the marketing plan contains the tools to help the store move in that direction. A good marketing plan supports your store vision […]
38. Make a mistake – then learn from it
By Mary Hart for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series As a busy pharmacist, you may overlook your front-end. It’s easy enough to do when you generate over 90% of your business from your pharmacy counter. But it’s a mistake if you’re not paying attention to it. Front-end items are more profitable than prescriptions […]