Ah … ahh … ahhh … CHOO!
It’s spring! And if you haven’t already encountered sniffly, sneezy customers with itchy, watery eyes walking through your doors in search of relief, you soon will. The quicker you prepare, the easier it’ll be when the pollen wreaks havoc on your customers. And as a one-stop shop, don’t forget to mix in spring holidays and spring break items on your front-end shelves.
Listed below are some great tips to get your front end ready for all the hoopla:
Out with the old, in with the new
Clear away the paraphernalia that’s been taking over the front end in recent months and give the shelves a good dusting. Then, feature the top, over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines and decongestants so your patients have options for relief. Offer a variety of products, and help them compare the features of each one, such as how long before they take effect; how long they last; what symptoms they alleviate; and what side effects to watch out for.
Vitamins should also be set up on the front-end shelves. With warmer weather, many people are ready to start eating healthier, exercising regularly, and taking vitamins and supplements to fill in the gaps.
Don’t forget about probiotics. They’re one of the fastest growing supplements on the market, not to mention very beneficial for our health. Help your patients select the right probiotic supplement, and always opt for one with a healthy blend of bacteria (bifidobacterium and lactobacillus).
It’s also important to stock some natural cold and flu items in your allergy section, such as:
- Eye drops
- Lip balm
- Neti pots
- Nasal strips
- Saline solutions
- Tissues
Adding some CBD products on the shelves can also act as a supplement to your patients’ medications this spring. CBD comes in many different forms (oils, creams, tinctures, chewables, etc.). No matter which kind you choose, it’ll be a great addition to your front-end offerings.
As a rule of thumb, it’s important to factor in your geographical location to tailor your endcaps and front-end displays to your patients’ needs. Allergy product sales often depend on your location. If you’re located in the Northwest region of the country, prominently feature decongestants along with pain relief to capitalize on this trend. However, if you’re located in the West, feature sunscreen along with allergy relief products.
It’s also a great time to encourage your patients to clean out their medicine cabinets at home. Post signs around your pharmacy, and hand out flyers along with patients’ prescriptions that will help them identify any expired products. Be ready to suggest replacements they can find in your pharmacy.
Holiday fun
Don’t let spring holidays sneak right past your pharmacy. Instead, promote each holiday in your front end. Set up candy, gifts, decorations, and greeting cards on an endcap or two. The bulk of retail sales takes place during the last 7 to 10 days before a holiday, so be sure you’re ready to meet customers’ needs. Keep at least one endcap designated for these products.
Mom’s the word
The month of May is a time to make moms feel special at your pharmacy. Mother’s Day is the third largest retail holiday in the U.S., and it’s a great time to show appreciation to the special moms who shop in your pharmacy. Offer a discount for all the moms, including birth moms, adopted moms, stepmoms, dog moms, etc. Be sure to include all of them in your specials.
Flu season isn’t over
Because cold and flu season isn’t quite over yet, keep some products in the front end for those who need them. Designate an endcap to display cold and flu essentials. Patients will need products such as tissues, pain and fever relief, decongestants, cough drops, and hand sanitizer. But don’t stop there. You’ll have plenty of patients wanting natural solutions, too. Create a display of vitamin C, hot and cold packs, vapor rubs, and saline solution neti pots. This will ensure your pharmacy has solutions for patients who prefer a natural approach to seasonal allergies, colds, or flu bugs.
Partnering with local physicians
Collaborating with local physicians can be profitable for your pharmacy. Build an endcap or display around one of the many national health observances that occur in springtime. You can do this by building relationships with local doctors, clinics, and medical organizations. Partnering can result in mutual referrals. Introduce yourself to physicians in your area, and if your pharmacy focuses on a specific niche like diabetic care or compounding, let them know that. They might start recommending your pharmacy to their patients.
Partnering can also lead to personalized patient care, an increase in patient adherence, a boost to patient care programs, and improved education. So, don’t be afraid to reach out to local physicians. Building relationships is beneficial for you, them, and your patients.
Spring break necessities
Before the kids are released for spring break, stock some cheap, convenient items near the checkout counter to entice the impulse-buying parents who are getting ready to travel. For instance, stock travel-sized bottles of products that’ll appeal to the families heading out for a quick getaway. Sunscreen, first-aid kits, hand sanitizer, acetaminophen, and so on. If you offer travel immunization services, be sure to promote them to the travelers.
Don’t forget about the families who are staying home over spring break. A staycation can include board games, puzzles, and outdoor toys.
Seasonal products
A great way to celebrate the spring season is by selling the seasonal items families really want and need, such as:
- Gardening tools
- Protective hats
- Sunglasses
- Swim toys
- Beach towels
- Flip flops
- Outdoor decor
Each new season means a new opportunity to become your patients’ one-stop shop. When you stock the products they want at the right prices, your sales will continuously increase, and you and your patients, both, will be pleased.
From the Magazine
This article was published in our quarterly print magazine, which covers relevant topics in greater depth featuring leading experts in the industry. Subscribe to receive the quarterly print issue in your mailbox. All registered independent pharmacies in the U.S. are eligible to receive a free subscription.
More articles from the March 2024 issue:
- Find Your Niche
- Diabetic Sales
- Common Accounting Errors
- When Disaster Strikes
- Catering to Family Caregivers
- The Silent and Deadly Cholesterol
- A New Year, a New Mindset
- Spring Clean Your Front End
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