Winter is nearly here. While temperatures outside may be dropping, your independent community pharmacy’s front end should be heating up. As your patients rush to buy gifts and stock up on necessities before the holidays, show them that your pharmacy’s front end can be a one-stop-shop for their holiday and health needs. Here are some ideas.
1. Transform your front end
The weather outside may be dreary, but by decorating for the season, you can give customers an easy pick-me-up. Add a few touches of festive décor to brighten up your front end. You could also consider serving hot beverages, such as hot chocolate or coffee, or handing out holiday treats, such as cookies or candy canes. Your customers will look forward to returning to your pharmacy to shop for any of their winter health or gift needs.
2. Make holiday shopping displays
Create displays to go along with the winter holidays, like stocking stuffers for Christmas. And don’t forget about New Years! You can use your end caps and displays to show customers how your front end can help them work toward their health-conscious resolutions. Show off products to help them lose weight or quit smoking, for example.
3. Help your patients stay healthy
It’s no secret that during the holidays cold and flu season is in full swing. Promote flu shots at your pharmacy with posters, window clings and reminders in patients’ prescription bags. Also, be sure to stock your front end with over-the-counter products that will help your patients fight colds or the flu.
4. Provide winter weather essentials
The weather outside can definitely be frightful. Highlight snow essentials, such as rock salt, and stock a healthy supply of batteries and flashlights so your customers can prepare for winter storms. Be sure to keep your own parking lot and entryway free of snow and ice, too.
5. Stock winter skin products
Along with family dinners and around-the-clock Christmas music, there are a few other winter “traditions” that your patients probably can’t avoid: dry skin and chapped lips, for example. Focus on stocking practical personal care items that are essential for winter, such as hand lotion and lip balm, and set them on display at the pharmacy counter.
