SHELF OBSESSED

While the idea of undertaking a pharmacy remodel can be a daunting one, especially when maintaining store operations during the remodel is required, the advantages of a functional and aesthetic upgrade to your store should definitely be worth the time, trouble, and expense if approached properly and with eyes wide open.

If you’re a pharmacy owner or manager and your store looks anything like the one represented in this image, it may very well be time to consider incorporating some new, innovative pharmacy solutions. From the linoleum tile flooring to the bright, sterile fluorescent tube lighting, this particular drug store spells anything but warm, inviting or unique. As an independent pharmacy owner, it’s important to implement solutions that will set your store apart from the typical cookie-cutter type establishments that are so prevalent today, especially the non-descript pharmacies run by various big-box chain stores.

If your pharmacy has become a little old and tired and doesn’t present the type of attractive, modern layout that you’d like, it’s probably time to consider a new pharmacy design. If it’s been more than a decade since you’ve had a major store retrofit, it may be past time to go with an updated store layout in the front end, back end, or both.

Psychology plays a definite role in consumer behavior, albeit often subconsciously. As a pharmacy owner, it’s important to consider this fact when deciding on your particular pharmacy design. There’s a science behind things like the proper use of lighting, floor plan design, location of shelving and other fixtures, product placement, and decor that’s been verified through psychological studies, focus groups, customer surveys, and sales data.

These days, HIPAA privacy regulations are stricter than ever before. You must guard patients' personal health information (PHI) strictly. That means you must implement your pharmacy design – customer areas, too – with this in mind.

If you're about to remodel your existing pharmacy or build a new one, you'll need the help of a firm that specializes in pharmacy design. Why? Three main reasons:

Even though you rely on your pharmacy's "back end" – your prescription counter – to bring in a lot of your profits, it's no secret that your front end – your merchandise section – is also a major contributor to profits. Because of that, you should pay as much attention to the front end of your business as you do to the back end.

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.