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."
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."
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.