News, products, marketing and merchandising tips for the front end of community pharmacies
* Gabe's Tips: *
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Hands off the panic button
Don't panic! Yes, it is true there are 6 less days to the time-honored Christmas selling season which starts November 29th, the day after Thanksgiving, and ends on Tuesday December 24th. These dates also represent one less shopping weekend! Be ready for last minute shoppers and have your recommendations in hand! When something like this last happened in 2013, retailers saw an increase in gift certificates and money holder cards. The fancier the gift certificate, the quicker the sale!
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Cards and Candy
When the seasonal greeting cards start to sell down, rearrange the cards to make an orderly row of 1lb boxes of candy. Click here for an example of Mother's Day cards and chocolates.
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Midweek Mayhem
Christmas is on a Wednesday! Ugh! Typically, when Christmas is in the middle of the week you will see the store getting very busy on Christmas Eve around noon and slow right down by 5PM. I suggest you take some great notes. Here is a worksheet that will help you be better prepared for the next time this happens.
Pssst, better late than never, here is where you can write your notes down from this past Halloween's sales.
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Don't get scammed
Here is an odd profit maker tip for you. Freshen up your return policy! Make sure it is posted where customers can easily see it. Review the policy with your entire staff, especially those you have brought in to help with the busy season. Yes, it's the time for giving but, sadly, it's also the time for scamming. Don't lose profit because someone found a loophole in the way you accept returns.
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Plan ahead
The Friday after Thanksgiving will be busy! You already know that. Either on Monday, November 25th or Tuesday November 26th before Thanksgiving plan on boosting your OTC order from your wholesaler to last you into the following Tuesday, December 3rd. There is a good chance you will be too busy to place an order on Friday, November 29th and Saturday, November 30th. Take it from me, I've learned it the hard way.
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Socks for a cause
November is American Diabetes month. For the last 2 weeks of November consider giving a free pair of socks to those with diabetes. I suggest you break open the three packs and hand the socks out one pair at a time. It's little easier on your wallet.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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* Front-End Marketplace *
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An Elemental Steal
Four Elements Organic Herbals are the featured vendor for November. Their teas are produced from freshly harvested, handpicked herbs. This month buy 4 cases and get a 5th one FREE! Go to Front-End Marketplace to claim this deal and stock up for the holidays – they're a great gift idea.
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Front End Resources for NCPA Members
Being a member of NCPA means you have access to a treasure trove of helpful hints, tips, and resources to make your front end more profitable! Download One-Pager Tips on a variety of topics. Gabe typically posts a tip once or twice a day on his Twitter account — if you're on Twitter, give him a follow at @NCPAGabe. You can also find tips in Gabe's monthly column in America's Pharmacist. The Overhaul of Fame galleries contain hundreds of photos to inspire you, from effective signs to successful end-caps and everything in between. Finally, you and your staff can access several staff training videos that will help you take an objective view of your store, both inside and out!
This wealth of knowledge is due to the fantastic photos, ideas, and suggestions we receive every day from NCPA members like you. Drop him a line at gabe.trahan@ncpanet.org with your questions, photos, best advice, and recommendations. What's selling well in your store? Let us know.
"Profit Makers" is produced by NCPA in collaboration with Drug Store News
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