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 … Read More
retail
New package? New planogram
by Julie Bonnell They say a picture is worth a thousand words…And a planogram is worth far more in sharing a vision of increased opportunity in a category. When should you consider a planogram? New product introductions are obvious but also consider using planograms when making packaging changes. Seeing how your new packaging concept will … Read More
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 … Read More
95. Dust those shelves in the front-end
by Barb G. for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series When you have friends and family over, do you make sure your house is “mother-in-law clean?” Over the years, your customers have come to be family, so why wouldn’t you do the same for them? When you enter your store tomorrow, take … Read More
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 … Read More
65. Add recorded messages to your phone
By Althea R. for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series A friend recently had to call his auto repair shop after hours. He wanted to know when the shop opened the next day so he could bring his car in for emergency repairs. Expecting to hear a message with the shop hours, … Read More
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 … Read More
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 … Read More
30. Learn from a successful retail merchant
by Steve Choate for our 99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy blog series How does the old saying go – “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?” No one can be an expert at everything – no matter how hard you may try. We are all good at some things and … Read More
58. Put shopping baskets near your pharmacy
By Megan Moyer for our “99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy” blog series You want to provide a memorable shopping experience for your customers and make it easy for them to shop your store. In addition to your store layout, department adjacencies, product assortment and inventory levels, what else can you do to make … Read More