For the kids

If you are fortunate enough to find supplies of PPE, please keep your local schools in mind. Schools are looking for children's N95 masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, and infrared no-touch forehead thermometers. No matter who you help in acquiring PPE, do not be shy to mention you are happy to take care of all their prescription concerns, and it is easy to transfer scripts to your location.

Do this daily

Repeat from a few weeks back. Someone on your team needs to daily check every supplier you have an account with for PPE supplies. It is not uncommon for wholesalers' or distributors' PPE supplies to come in and go all on the same day! Reacquaint yourself with suppliers' back-order policies; it may have changed since you last checked.

This little light of mine

On a lighter note, from my email inbox: Gabe do you have any suggestions on choosing a candle line?

I certainly do! Try to find one that is as local as possible; freight can be a deal-breaker in choosing a candle line. Take as much time negotiating on capping the freight charges as you will on the getting the best cost of goods. Keep your section to 3 to 4ft in width and no more than 60" high. Make room next to the candles for candle accessories, such as votive holders, candle stands, and wick trimmers. Keep in mind, offering more candle choices does not necessarily mean additional sales! Adding accessories are your best bet for companion sales. People like to test new scents, so make sure you have votives that match the scents of your jar and or pillar candles.

This brand is your brand

Learn to love your private label OTC line. People are getting very adept at ordering on-line. The one thing that is a bit tougher to find on the Web is your wholesaler's private label. Here is a reminder of the basics: build your brand by not mixing multiple private labels brands and ask your supplier for a full listing of private labels - there are always some that do not make the planograms. Double face private label products whenever possible and always place them to the right of the brand. Refer to your private label as your preferred brand and use all the signage you can get your hands on.

Colds are coming

Next month is when merchandisers are asked to reset and update the number one department in sales in the OTC sales categories, Cold and Allergy. Run your cold & allergy 12-month point of sales report now. Take a good look at your slower-moving product; it may be time to eliminate a number of SKU's to make room to cross-merchandise your immune builder selection and add some all-natural lozenges. Cold and Allergy should be parallel or in-line with your pain section. A wise choice for a lead-in end-cap would be a homeopathic display. P.S. Don't hide the facial tissues with toilet tissue and paper towels.

Simplify the shopping experience in the skin care department

Employ these strategies to help your customers easily find what they are looking for in your skin care department. Read more.