Posted by Megan Moyer Just what is it that makes your product package stand out on the shelf? Can you pinpoint the elements that help consumers decide to choose it over a competing product? We’ve worked with multiple manufacturers that successfully secured distribution and were accepted into stores but then had problems selling their product. Of … Read More
retail
Some businesses just belong together
Posted by Jen Johnston Some businesses just belong together. When I was in my 20’s and more into the craft scene, I envisioned a group of retailers who would take over a space and create a destination location of independent shop owners that met virtually every need a crafter would have. So from sewing, to beading, … Read More
Retailiation
by Dave Wendland It seems that virtually every retail format is gunning for independent and regional chain pharmacies. Dollar stores (Family Dollar, Dollar General, etc.) have broadened their assortment of health, beauty, and wellness products significantly. Mass merchandisers (Target, Wal-mart) continue to build new promotions and programs around their wellness and personal care initiatives. Convenience stores … Read More
Carolina in my mind
posted by Dave Wendland If a major retail drug chain wants to enter a state with a strong pharmacy base without organically growing market share, the best way to achieve it is to acquire one of the area’s foremost regional drug chains. That’s precisely what happened as Kerr Drug struck a deal to become part … Read More
Don’t let the forest block your view of the trees
by Amy Kasza I once worked with a small manufacturing account that was new to the OTC field. They had big dreams, like most brands. In their minds’ eye, they saw multiple facings of their blockbuster product on every Wal-mart, Walgreens, Target, and CVS shelf from coast to coast. So convinced of their product’s value to … 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 … Read More
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 … Read More
You can’t put lipstick on a pig — or false claims on your product.
by Dave Wendland A phrase common in the car sales industry used to describe taking a hunk of junk, brushing on a fresh coat of paint, and selling it for full price may also apply to the consumer healthcare market. Although consumers are savvy shoppers, they may be fooled into believing that the claims on certain … Read More
Shoppers with young children want a Children’s Care category
by Jen Johnston When I was the mother of a newborn, I appreciated drug chains that had a baby care category. I mean, I really, really appreciated it. And what mother wouldn’t? It’s not particularly easy to shop with a newborn in tow, so having the diapers, shampoo, baby food, and pacifiers in one aisle … Read More