3 Steps to Set Up Your Independent Pharmacy for Success

 Independent pharmacy owners feel the pressure to have the edge against big box chains, mail order, and other competitors. With more niche strategies opening up to the independent pharmacist, there are an increasing number of ways to exploit what you thought was a dead-end and gain from undiscovered opportunities.

Read below for 3 ways you can set your pharmacy up for success with an interesting new niche you could establish in your pharmacy!

1. Distinguish your pharmacy from chain stores. 

   Create an inviting space with well-defined areas for specific product types. Couple this with caring staff that seek out opportunities to help the customer. This pairing will help develop relationships and create repeat customers. 

   Your products are non-negotiable to a successful retail pharmacy. Using effective, high quality and unique products will create product loyalty. Try offering a combination of well-known big sellers and plenty of unique, reputable products. 

   Share what you know to help others bring their bodies back into a state of health. Train your staff on this as well as both seasonal and common items and trends.
   

2. Establish yourself as a local healthcare expert. 

   Creating an image ofauthority and trust in the community is invaluable to your sales and retention efforts. Pharmacy tip: Offer webinars or in-store workshops on specific health topics (i.e. addressing high blood pressure or losing weight). Distribute brochures and flyers on providing information on adjunct or alternative therapies and products is a great way to get more people in the door.A great way to showcase your pharmacy as a local healthcare expert is to amp up your blog activity and distribute a weekly or monthly e-newsletter. Invite customers to subscribe to your blog and use that space to offer healthy tips (i.e., introduce natural medicines and therapies).

3. Have a plan and share it with your team. 

   Developing a plan with your team will help them get on board with the company agenda and make them feel that their voice matters. Once you develop a plan, focus on a different sales goal each month. Training your team to be knowledgeable will give them the tools they need to confidently interact with your customers. Product and health care training opportunities should be provided each month. Then, reward your staff for a job well done!

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About the Author:
Natural Creations is an exhibitor at the 2014 PDS conference and distributor of alternative medicines. They produce the highest quality products strictly operating according to cGMPs and made in a safe & controlled environment. Their product line is of USP grade & have a purity of 98-102%.

To speak with a representative, stop by booth #59 at the Independent Pharmacy Business Growth Conference to learn about the alternative medicines available to you, or visit Natural Creations online at www.natural-creations.net.