SHELF OBSESSED

How Pharmacy Shelving Can Be Used with Other Elements to Create a Welcoming Environment

Posted by Robert Walthall on Thu, Dec, 18, 2014 @ 08:30 AM

How_Pharmacy_Shelving_Can_Be_Used_with_Other_ElementsA truly welcoming pharmacy environment can significantly boost customer satisfaction. That can draw more customers to you, and increase your profits. Updated pharmacy shelving, along with other elements, can be used to create this welcoming environment easily and relatively inexpensively.

Create a welcoming interior

  • Focus on decor

Soft colors, muted hues, and stylish floor coverings like faux wood, tile, or carpeting can transform the interior of your pharmacy from "institutional" to "homey."

  • Modernize pharmacy shelving and fixtures

Today's pharmacy shelving and fixtures do not have to look "institutional," either, just as your store doesn't. Today, they come in a variety of materials, colors, and styles to fit your decor. You can choose pharmacy shelving and fixtures that are "soft and welcoming," just as your interior is, or you can choose contrasting colors and materials that will provide a visually pleasing counterpoint "accent."

  • Provide comfortable seating throughout your store

Place seating strategically throughout your store in various departments and by your pharmacy area. You can also subtly nudge shopping impulses by placing it near product displays in the departments so that customers can still see your merchandise while they rest. Yet another opportunity to boost profits without actively "selling."

  • Take advantage of modern lighting fixtures

You need a well-lit interior so that customers can see what you have to offer. Instead of opting for traditional fluorescent lights, which have an unpleasant glare and buzz, choose soft full-spectrum fluorescent lights instead. These are as effective as traditional fluorescents, with none of the drawbacks.

  • Vary light levels throughout your store
Another way to make your store more inviting is to use different light levels in various areas of your store. While you want nothing to be so dimly lit that your customers can't see your merchandise, you can still create small "oases" that are more softly lit in out of the way locations, such as back by the prescription desk's waiting area. You can also use focal lighting around displays to draw attention to them and provide a sort of light "accent" that's visually stimulating.
  • Make your signage easy to read and match it to your logo and "brand"

Update your signage's look as needed, and make sure that it matches your logo and brand. Its main purpose is to inform  your customers, but your "welcoming" look won't be complete unless your signage is fresh, "homey," and updated with everything else.

  • Make it easy for your customers to shop by managing "traffic flow"

Use pharmacy shelving and fixtures to establish your store layout; gondola shelving is especially useful for this. The goal is to allow customers to see everything at a glance from one central location.

The layout should contain a "footpath" that meanders throughout the store and takes customers by every department so that they miss nothing. It should be wide enough for customers to pass each other easily, and should be constructed so that customers can move to departments to browse, and then back to the footpath when they're ready.

  • Make it easy for customers to give into "impulse buys"

Finally, make sure that your displays support customers' propensity to buy on impulse. Seasonal or sale items should be placed in displays throughout the store in requisite departments, at the entrance to the store, and at the checkout lines for quick and easy grab.

Your pharmacy shouldn't remind your customers of a hospital setting. Rather, it should be a comforting, inviting environment for them. Pharmacy shelving/fixture updates, revamped lighting, and other changes to your decor can create a "homey" and pleasant atmosphere that they'll find welcoming -- drawing customers in and improving sales.

Pharmacy and Healthcare Display Inspirations ebook

Topics: pharmacy shelving