SHELF OBSESSED

Whether you are remodeling or building new, there are three things you need to know before you plan your pharmacy shelving purchases.

Are you busy planning a remodel of your current retail store or even building from scratch? It may seem as though it's a good idea to plan for "everything else" first, and then stick retail shelving and fixture purchases in at the end.

However, and trust us on this... this is not a good plan.

Your independent pharmacy is expected to be a safe, comfortable place where people in your community can come for everything from over-the-counter pain relievers and salves to prescription drugs and expert health advice.

However, big box stores that offer prescription services have affected the perception of many as to what a pharmacy should be. Many people under the age of 30 don’t even know what it’s like to shop at a real neighborhood pharmacy run by a small business owner who cares about the people who walk through their doors.

Consumers today have so many choices when it comes to pharmaceutical needs that it’s mind-boggling. Between the big box stores that seem to be on every corner and the smaller mom-and-pop shops, it can be difficult to differentiate yourself from the competition.

One of the best ways to do that is use your brand colors in the design of your physical space. Whether you purchased an existing pharmacy or you’re building from the ground up, there are a variety of ways to incorporate your brand colors while following today’s pharmacy trends.

Today’s pharmacy can offer much more than simply a place to fill a prescription. Pharmacy trends are leaning towards an all-encompassing health and wellness center where weekend athletes can get the latest in performance-enhancing protein powders, new parents can safely inquire about OTC remedies for colic or teething, and curious consumers can find out about holistic methods of care.

The right signage can help you provide the necessary directions and information for each of these (and other!) customers and support you in making a positive first impression for your independent pharmacy.

The conception of your pharmacy design is absolutely essential to the success of your pharmacy. So, there are a number of goals that you'll want to accomplish with the layout of your pharmacy:

• Keep your retail products well-organized and easy to find for customers
• Draw attention to certain products
• Make it easy for customers to move from one aisle to the other without feeling like they've become trapped in a maze of shelving

Whether you are a running a pharmacy or a retail business, the way you display your products throughout your store is more important than you might think. Don't be mistaken into thinking that throwing your products on any old shelving will do the trick – it won't. The environment that your products are being sold in has a huge subconscious impact on your customers.

The choices you make when setting up your pharmacy design are vital to how much front-end merchandise you sell. The way that you organize and display your wares can either improve or decrease your retail sales.

Of course, the art and science of merchandising isn't a problem if you choose to run an apothecary-style pharmacy, in which you have very little space for merchandise displays. However, if you do have the space to sell additional merchandise, you'll want to use it wisely.

It once seemed as though the days of the "old time" independent pharmacy were fading, replaced by the convenience of the "big box" stores and mega marts that carried everything from bedding to beauty products, groceries to lawn mowers.

However, as a society, we’re finally starting to realize the importance of appreciating what really matters, which includes our health and wellness. Sure, the benefits of one-stop shopping are great. But what do you do there if you have questions? Can you really trust the staff to know as much about antibiotics as they do anti-freeze? Does the environment instill a feeling of camaraderie and trust? Or is it cold and merely efficient, making you feel isolated and rushed?

Your checkout counter isn't just a place for your customers to bring their purchases when they're finished shopping. It's a key element in your store that can help – or hinder – your bottom line.