Beauty without cruelty

July is the month to reset the skincare category. Check your suggested new item list. If the new item is simply a different size or an additional scent, then you may want to opt-out of ordering the extra SKU. This will allow you to create room to cross merchandise an all-natural skin product. Natural products expert, Ira Katz, reminds us all "When bringing in a natural skincare line, look for one that promotes "Beauty Without Cruelty."

Brace yourselves

Now that people will be outside more, brace sales will be going up. Rock star merchandiser, Dave Gaudette, reminds us that controlling inventory of braces will save you some serious money. When reordering braces, do not be tempted to fill the shelf or the peg hook to capacity. Instead, keep the size of the brace in mind and order accordingly. For example, large and extra-large knee braces will sell faster than small and extra small. No need to keep 6 of every style brace you inventory!

They see me rolling

NCPA member, Don Piela Jr., wrote, "as you know, our delivery vehicles are rolling billboards." Absolutely, and for that reason, make sure when your delivery vehicle is not in use that it can easily be seen from the road. Parking the vehicle in a shopping mall or near a health provider is a very good suggestion.

Right this way

Designing consulting/vaccine rooms has become a hot topic. As a reminder, I re-read the tips that Tyler Guess provided when he built his 8 by 8' consulting room. When constructing his room, Tyler saved a good deal of space by using a design of a sliding barn door. Tyler also mentioned that if you are planning on doing lots of vaccinations, he recommends making room for a dorm-size refrigerator. If you would like to see a photo of the room and read more details about how it was built, then click here.

Vaccine surge

My good friend, Jack Dunn, texted to remind me of the high probability of a surge of patients wanting vaccines will put a drain on the inventory of a single-use mask. I'm not suggesting hoarding, but I am urging to keep in mind that single-use masks are not expensive and worth keeping plenty on hand. For the best price, consider buying by bulk while sharing with others.

Tell your customers what you're doing to keep them safe

You are undoubtedly taking extra steps to make it safer for customers to be in your store at this time. Your competitors and other retailers are emphasizing the steps they are taking to the public. NCPA recommends you do so, too.