With multiple pharmacies in every suburb, standing out from the crowd has never been more important. Your customers want to feel like they’re receiving quality service, but also find what they need fast and often, privately too.
If you’re thinking about giving your chemist or pharmacy a makeover, it can be a great way to set yourself apart from your competition. As shop fitters, these are our top tips for making over your pharmacy to give your customers a better experience.
Things to Consider When Giving Your Pharmacy a Makeover
Analyse & Understand Your Space
Before you begin making over your store, it’s important to understand your current space, including both the inside and outside of your store. Consider where you currently have signage, sale stands, checkouts and more.
How do your customers interact with your space? Do they tend to gravitate towards some areas over others, or have to ask staff where particular items are? Are there features of your pharmacy customers don’t use, potentially because they don’t know about them?
Something as simple as adding signage or changing the position of shelves can help customers learn more about what you do.
A professional shop fitter, such as AC Fitouts, can help you look at your current store layout in the eyes of your customers and how you may make better use of the space.
Creating a Modern & Inviting Atmosphere
Pharmacies all tend to use the same colours, layout and lighting, meaning there isn’t much difference from one to the next. However, this is where you can really use this to your advantage.
Even thinking about the chairs or space you create for your customers who wait in-store can make the difference and provide an inviting atmosphere. Adding some comfy chairs and a place where you can put your catalogue for them to read while they wait not only helps your customers to be comfortable, but shows them what more you offer too.
It’s also important to ensure your entry ways are not cluttered. It’s common for pharmacies to place a lot of sale and promotional displays around their entrance. While this does help people see deals easily and grab quickly on their way in, it does not provide the most welcoming experience. Consider different ways to display your stock so it’s easy to see, but not cluttered.
Prioritise Layout & Flow
Layout and flow are crucial. Making your pharmacy easy to navigate, having clear signage on display, shelves and counters at comfortable heights and aisles wide enough for multiple people to access can make a big difference in your sales.
If you have additional services, like blood pressure checks or vaccinations, ensure there is clear signage about these offerings on the outside of your premises, as well as signs directing them to the dedicated area.
How your counters are laid out can also add to your customers’ experience. Is it easy to see where to line up for scripts and where to pick them up? How simple is it to walk into your pharmacy and know where the item you’re looking for is located?
It can help to have someone who has never been to your pharmacy before walk into your store and find a certain item. See how long it takes for them to find what they’re looking for and what got in their way before they did.
Implement Technology
Pharmacy technology has made leaps and bounds in recent years. In fact, If you’re not offering digital prescriptions, at the very least, you may be left behind.
Making over your pharmacy is a great time to consider upgrading your point-of-sale systems and other technology. If you have in-store services, you may also want to think about an online booking system to allow people to not be disappointed if they walk in a service isn’t currently available.
There are so many types of technology you can implement to increase staff efficiency and customer satisfaction. Having a chat with your shop fitter, like our team at AC Fitouts, can help you find the right solutions for your store.
Stay on Top of Trends
Lastly, keep an eye on the latest trends. Whether it’s a new product on the market or a shift in consumer behaviour, staying up-to-date can give your pharmacy the competitive edge it needs.
Remember, a makeover doesn’t mean a complete overhaul. Even small changes can have a big impact. So take a step back, evaluate your space and make the changes that will take your pharmacy to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve the accessibility and ease of navigation within my pharmacy, especially for the elderly or people with a disability?
It’s essential your pharmacy is accessible and easy for all customers to use. Ensure aisles are wide enough for people in wheelchairs or mobility scooters, place items at an appropriate height and consider having low counters or seating areas where customers can rest. Additionally, ensure that signage is clear and understandable, even adding a braille option for those with visual disabilities.
How can I incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly elements into my pharmacy makeover?
You can incorporate eco-friendly elements into your pharmacy makeover by switching to LED lighting, installing solar panels, investing in energy efficient equipment and appliances, and using green materials such as bamboo. Additionally, you should consider implementing a recycling program where possible and encouraging customers to bring reusable bags when shopping.
What are some cost-effective ways to update the interior design and aesthetics of my pharmacy?
Updating the interior design of your pharmacy does not need to be expensive. You can add pops of colour with wall decals (even of your own logo) or even by carefully utilising your displays.
Additionally, you may be able to make use of your existing shelving, displays and counters. This is where a shop fitter can help you make the most of what you’ve got and get the most bang for your buck when making over your pharmacy.
