Peak Profit Makers | Front-End Overhaul | August 3, 2024

Front to Back

When was the last time you walked into your pharmacy through the front door? If you're in the habit of entering your store through the back, switch it up for a couple of days so you see what your customers see. Look for decorations that are out of season, old fliers posted on the windows, shelves or endcaps looking sparser than they should. Take an unbiased stroll to catch how many areas could use a tad bit of tidying.

Peak Profits

Except for personal care OTC categories, the remaining categories have a sales peak and valley. The best example of peaks and valleys is in school supplies. Peaks in late August, valleys in May. Even though you can get a cold year-round, the cough and cold season does have a recognizable peak. Most states see a peak during the months of early December to the end of February. Northern states like Vermont will see the peak lasting from September to March. Check the statistics for your location, and be ready to have peak inventory! Resist buying 2 of the same item every day of the week! Load up for the season! Don't be afraid of floor displays or loading up an end-cap with your 6 best-selling private label cough and cold relief products. Do it, and watch your profits peak!

No Naked Legs

If you are selling socks of any kind, especially if they come in a box, you really need leg mannequins. And here is a gentle reminder: you need to put socks of different styles and colors on the leg mannequins, no naked leg mannequins. For you merchandising wizards, start adding perceived value by spiffing up the displays with ankle bracelets. If you sell jewelry, this is also a great cross-merchandising tip!

Back to school means back to colds

August is the month that merchandisers revitalize the Cold and Allergy sections. Place lip balm, thermometers, medicine spoons, medicine droppers, and all-natural lozenges on clip strips. On the endcap near the section have vaporizers, humidifiers, and facial tissues. Adjust the planogram flex space to promote your pharmacist's recommended vitamins and large bottles of hand sanitizer. Don't forget the oldie but a goodie tip: cross merchandise premium toothbrushes with the sign, "Throw those germs away! Time for a new toothbrush."

In case you missed it

NCPA announced a new partnership with InStep Health, a leading provider of in-store marketing solutions. Through this partnership, independent pharmacies can sign-up to receive cutting-edge promotional and patient education support, all at no cost to you! Whether you're looking to promote vaccines, diabetes products, or cold/cough/allergy relief, we've got you covered. InStep Health's displays, product samples, and educational materials are all designed to boost patient engagement, increase awareness of your offerings, and ultimately drive revenue. Sign up for the InStep Health inStore network at no cost to tailor the solutions to your unique needs.

Shoppers Identify Important Factors For Easier In-store Shopping

According to a 2023 WSL Strategic Retail research study, shoppers said knowing "where to find the items you want" is one of the most important ways to make in-store shopping easier. Do you have signage that identifies which categories are located in each aisle? Is that signage easy to read from inside your store entrance, and placed in a location that most people will notice? Shoppers don't want to wander down each aisle to find what they want. In fact, "get in and out quickly," was ranked #2 on the list of how to make in-store shopping easier. Click here to see the full list!

Monthly Retailer Category Tips—Skin Care

While independent pharmacies tend to excel in therapeutic skin care items, don't overlook the advantages to your business of serving consumers looking for skin care products offering beauty benefits. Read more...