Springtime Profit Makers | Front-End Overhaul | May 3, 2025

Best location for impulse buys

For years, it's been thought that the OTC area directly in front of the pharmacy counter is a great spot for featuring impulse items, vitamins, supplements, or specialty items. However, a closer look at stores filling 150+ scripts a day can, at times, show customers blocking the few items on display. Here are a couple of options:

1. Swap the items listed above with your stomach and digestive section. Items in this category will sell anywhere and are purchased based on need. So, it's okay if they're hidden by a long line of customers waiting for their medications.

2. Replace the endcaps at the back of the OTC fixtures that are nearest to the pharmacy with a banner promoting either a service or a premium product. Move the fixtures back 15 to 18 inches to give you more of an open space near the pharmacy.

Featured items of the month

Spring has sprung, which means more sun and outdoor allergens. It also means the end of the school year is near and travel picks up. Here is a list of items that you can feature for the month of May that you do not have to discount: allergy relief products, sun and bug protection, travel essentials, hydration drinks and powders, Vitamin B complex (for energy), cold packs, Arnica gel, and aloe vera.

Brace yourself

When it comes to braces, a busy merchandiser may place an order to simply refill each hook. However, the correct way is to fill the empty hook with medium and large sizes and 1 or 2 less of the remaining sizes. Overstock in braces can easily become a costly inventory problem. Consider cross-merchandising topical pain relief patches designed to provide temporary relief for minor aches and pains.

Early birds who want the worm

Now that it's a little warmer and brighter in the morning, choose a day one hour before you normally open and park indiscreetly in a position to see how many, if any, customers yank on your door to see if you are open. If it's over a half a dozen you may want to consider adjusting your hours. For those of you with outdoor security cameras, you can also check your video feeds too. If you need something to listen to during your stake out, tune into NCPA's Independent Rx Forum podcast.

Spotless

Would you like to have the cleanest entry in town while boosting your curbside appeal? Then rent a power washer, but not just any power washer, rent a hot-water power washer and watch all those nasty black gooey spots disappear. A good machine works well on surfaces with grease, gum, grime and oil.

Monthly Retailer Category Tips—Vitamins & Dietary Supplements

Research shows vitamins & dietary supplements are widely used. Dedicate effort—including the tips below—to create a profitable department in your store. Read more.