by Jen Johnston Last year, HRG surveyed independent pharmacies about many topics, one of which was who their biggest competitors are when it comes to their front-end. One east coast pharmacist called me during the midst of Hurricane Sandy cleanup because his power was out and he couldn’t complete the online survey, but he had … Read More
retail
Embrace your “indie” mystique to reach the 2nd largest generation
by Jen Johnston The last time you thought about the millennial generation (gen Y) they may have been a bunch of ragtag middle schoolers whose only source of income was their weekly allowances from mom and dad. You may have had to watch that they didn’t steal candy or lip gloss, but they didn’t really … Read More
Making 20 minutes count
by Dave Wendland This post assumes you have answered “yes” to these five critical questions about your product. Does the product fill an identified consumer need? Are the packaging and messaging ready for retail? Are there compelling reasons for the buyer to take a chance on your item? Can you handle the production demands if … Read More
Position your store as a wellness destination
by Megan Moyer What does wellness mean to you? I like this definition from the McKinley Health Center, University of Illinois: Wellness is a state of optimal well-being that is oriented toward maximizing an individual’s potential. I think we can all identify with that. Some within our industry have already moved from describing over-the-counter (OTC) … Read More
The kids want their summer back
by Jen Johnston Ah, summer is finally in full swing. The kids are finally out of school. Time for hot weather, vacations, bar-b-ques, and. . .back-to-school promotions? Perhaps I am just paying more attention in 2013, but back-to-school advertising seems to be happening earlier than ever. In fact, some retailers began their promotions on school … Read More
Why Gen Y?
by Jenny Kosek 80 million people between the ages of 17 and 34 currently comprise the much-buzzed about Millennial Generation. Considering that 40% of shoppers under age 25 purchase no OTC products at independent pharmacy, the industry is lagging behind when it comes to engaging this immensely important demographic. That means independent pharmacy is losing … Read More
Music to your ears
by Dave Wendland Employees dancing in the aisles will most likely not increase sales. But I’m amazed at the number of retail executives I speak to who have given the reins of their musical selections to their employees who then insist on playing what they enjoy listening to. Now, I don’t want to appear an … Read More
The ease of online, in-store
by Jenny Kosek Oh, woe is brick and mortar retail. For years now, retailers have watched their customers flee to the impersonal, cold embrace of technology. Whether they choose to shop completely online, or dare to come in, device at the ready, to showroom products with no intent to purchase in-store, those wily consumers have made … Read More