'Tis the Season for Flu Shot Promotions

August is an ideal time to start heavily promoting the availability of flu shots at your pharmacy. Not only is it National Immunization Awareness Month, it's also back-to-school time, when families begin preparing for the fall. Flu shots should be considered part of back-to-school preparations. Hang large banners on the exterior of your store and/or include short messages on your digital sign reminding customers that flu shots are available at your pharmacy. Hang signs throughout your store and especially at the pharmacy pick-up counter. (For sign/banner inspiration, check out the Overhaul of Fame.) Direct staff to remind customers during transactions about the flu shot services your pharmacy provides. Consider partnering with local service organizations/clubs, senior centers, and business to offer flu shot clinics this fall.

Back-to-School Display Idea: Lice Treatments

Stock up on traditional and all-natural lice remedies for the back-to-school season. Lots of lice treatments go out-of-date during the summer; be sure to check your stock's expiration dates. Cross-merchandise in the first aid and hair care sections, and create an end-cap of lice treatments with a sign (ideas: "Better to have & not need than need & not have!" or "Small investment for peace of mind").

Quick Checks

• Track how back-to-school sales are going: is it more school supplies or personal care products? Adjust your inventory and promotions for next year.

• Review and adjust employee schedules for Labor Day weekend, if necessary. Everyone loves a three-day weekend and some may be looking for a day off.

• Make time to reset your cough & cold department to prepare for the upcoming flu and cold season. Stock up on prevention and relief items.

SPECIAL PRE-PUBLICATION SALE! Save on Your 2018 Daily Pharmacy Planning Guide if You Pre-Order by Sept. 12

Start 2018 off on the right foot—NCPA can help with Your Daily Pharmacy Planning Guide! This planner features 365+ tips and reminders, just waiting to be put into action and waiting to make your life a little less stressful and lot more profitable in 2018. Pre-order your copy of the 2018 Daily Pharmacy Planning Guide by Sept. 12 at a SPECIAL SALE PRICE of only $24.95 for NCPA members (includes shipping) via NCPA's website or by calling 1-800-544-7447 (Guide runs December 2017 through January 2019). NCPA Annual Convention attendees can pick up a copy of the Guide for the low price of only $20—but you have to be at the convention to get it! Guides will be shipped in November.

Offer Your Patients Unique Skin Relief Solutions

It is time to start stocking NovaGenesis' Recovery Skin Relief products that benefit patients undergoing radiation therapy, those with diabetes and eczema, and hardworking patients with tough, cracked skin. NovaGenesis also has travel sizes perfect for your patients' trips. Remember, NovaGenesis and other products on the Front-End Marketplace aren't found in major retailers or wholesalers. Learn more about NovaGenesis, our August Vendor of the Month, and find an order form here.

Taylor County Pharmacy's Grand Opening—Achieving Digital Success Through Events

See how Taylor County Pharmacy prepared for their Grand Opening and introduced the local community to their new health care family, leading to approximately 300 new prescription transfers. According to Dennis, their approach to this event was multi-faceted so that they could capture as many patients as possible. Read more...

Boost Revenue with Independent-Only Products

NCPA members have access to a special membership discount on unique health care products available only through independent pharmacies. In a collaboration with Union Springs Healthcare (USH), NCPA brings independent community pharmacy owners and staff the Companion Care Counseling® (CCC) Program developed by USH. CCC helps facilitate more productive pharmacist-patient interactions to address common health problems or side effects from existing prescription medications. This program and accompanying resources provided by USH have already been successful in hundreds of independent pharmacies at improving patient outcomes and growing pharmacy revenue. NCPA members can learn more about the program, the products, and claim their special member prices at www.ushcare.com/pharmacy-partner.