Weekly Comment

Welcome to Pharmacy Daily’s weekly comment feature. This week’s contributor is Nicole Hooley, Merchandise and Retail Operations Manager at instigo.

Getting your pharmacy in shape

PHARMACISTS are dedicated to looking after the health of their customers, but what about the health of your pharmacy? The right pharmacy layout, smart use of product displays and innovative in-store merchandising all go a long way towards boosting both sales and customer engagement. Here are some of the basic check points to consider:

• The pharmacy is well lit and aisles are clu er free

• Gondola ends are used for seasonal products and specials, supporting your catalogue if applicable

• Window space is used to promote products and communicate key messages and is refreshed every few weeks

• Shelf cke ng is clear and professional – no handwritten, torn or out of date tickets

• Displays and category

layouts are periodically reviewed to realise growth potential

• Stock is replenished and faced up every day to increase shelf shout

• Marketing messages are clear and not competing for attention – less is more!

Take the time to walk around your own store and highlight the areas that require focus, preferably weekly. Make a checklist of things to cover, such as cleanliness and out of stocks. Think of your main customer types and ‘put yourself in their shoes’ as you walk around. Is your offer clear and your store inviting and attractive to your customers? If not take steps internally or engage an outside specialist to assist your store in becoming fit for selling.