Growth is a Team Sport

One huge benefit of attending the NCPA Annual Convention is picking up tips and solving problems with peers from around the country. That doesn't only apply to pharmacy owners. Pharmacy technicians, services support staff and front-end managers can find and bring back great information that will improve your store operations. That is why NCPA will have programming and networking opportunities for all types of team members, and why we have special registration rates for you to bring them. Check it out.

Not an Odd Couple

If you have a robust greeting card section, you will find that women purchase over 90% of the cards. July is the month that merchandisers are asked to update the Skincare section. Placing haircare and skincare near the cards may make a nice new and profitable home for skincare.

Look for the Highlights

Many customers are looking for skincare with added UV skin protection, particularly with broad-spectrum SPF. Here is a way to help them find it. Grab your favorite yellow highlighter and highlight all the shelf tags of products containing a form of SPF. Put up one or two signs reading something like "Looking for extra skin protection? Look for the yellow tag." Cross merchandise your sunscreen in the skincare department; there are some skincare products that have AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that may increase skin sensitivity to sunburns. Promote it on your social media.

P.S. Don't forget to use highlighter or signs for your sunglasses if they offer UV protection… and your clip strip of UV protection lip balms.

Aches and Sales

July is also the time to stock up on your hot and cold therapy section. Actually, it should be sections (plural). Along with your traditional pain relief category, you will need to cross merchandise the products near the brace department. At this time of the year, you need an endcap with instant cold packs, ice bags, heating pads, instant heating packs, arnica ointment, and cryotherapy for muscles in both spray and cream.

Are Your Eye Products Visible?

In addition to UV Safety Awareness Month, July is Healthy Vision Month. Consider this a reminder to evaluate your eye-care category. The planogram often has a section with pegged items near the top with a shelf over the peg. This doesn't always look good, especially for fixtures 54" or shorter in height. Consider dropping down from a 4ft set to a 3ft set, do some customizing, and remove the top shelf.

Thank you for being a member of NCPA and see you in October!