SHELF OBSESSED

Do you need to replace the retail shelving in your store? Are you thinking about purchasing used shelving to "save money"?

What is the first impression your customers get when they come into your pharmacy? Is your pharmacy welcoming? Or is it plain, functional, and in need of some warmth and style?

As an independent pharmacist, the shelving you select should do more than just house and display merchandise; it should also support the success of your business by serving specific needs in each of the following areas:

• Customer service
• Pharmacy workflow
• Privacy regulations

As an independent pharmacist, if you want to be successful, you have to have an efficient pharmacy workflow. You've got big shoes to fill since your competitors may have resources you don't – but you also have the ability to give customers the kind of personal service that retail chains lack.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you consider budgetary needs for a pharmacy remodel? Most likely, it's the aesthetic components of the space – new flooring, carpeting, decor; features that will please your customers. While these features are certainly important, there are at least 6 other key considerations that you should also take into account.

Your pharmacy shelving can do much more than just display and store merchandise. You just have to know how to use it.

Having an efficient pharmacy workflow is imperative to the success of your business. An inefficient workflow doesn't just waste time; it can also:

• Make your customers unhappy
  They have to wait longer than necessary for their prescriptions, which reflects badly on you.
   
• Result in prescription errors
  More than just embarrassing, prescription errors can be dangerous and even deadly.
   
• Reduce your profits significantly
  About 90 percent of your profits probably come from prescription sales, so making your workflow its most efficient can improve your profits even if you don't change anything else.

Your patients and customers are the lifeblood of your independent pharmacy. And indeed, you're just as important to them. You are a healthcare liaison for them, but you differ from other professionals because you really get to know the people you serve. This gives you a unique responsibility – and opportunity – that you cannot overlook.

As an independent pharmacist, you have lots expenses to stay on top of. However, if you want to stay successful – and even legal – you must take the time (and money) to make sure your pharmacy is updated in three key areas.

As an independent pharmacist, what comes to mind when you think about succeeding at running your pharmacy? Keeping your customers happy is probably first on the list. Fortunately, the personalized service you offer already puts you ahead of much of your competition. A better pharmacy workflow can make you even more competitive and successful.