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Care Chemist growing at twice the rate

Friday 15 January 2010, 11:14AM

By Intermediary Communications

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Care Chemist pharmacies are benefiting from the group’s unique marketing programmes, showing an impressive growth of 16% compared to the overall pharmacy channel’s growth of 8% in the same period* according to CEO Nicolette McDonald.

She explains the success of the 24 strong group: `Our family of Care Chemist franchisees are growing their businesses through unique initiatives such as our OTC health promotional campaigns. These campaigns are designed to raise the pharmacist’s profile in their community and remind customers that their local Care Chemist is the place to visit when they are unwell.’

According to Care Chemist CEO, Nicolette McDonald, pharmacists are attracted to the Care Chemist model by the forward thinking attitude of the group and the potential for growth, among other benefits.

Tania Adams, Care Chemist, Manly says: `The sun care campaign gave us an increase of 75 per cent January against January the first year we took part in it. The Prevent A Cold initiative produced a 51 per cent boost to our entire natural health immune products range. Results from the pain control push were simply huge for that sector with a 15 per cent lift for the category.

‘We sometimes just can’t believe the results from these campaigns. They help you stand out in the community as a respected health professional, you will sell more of whatever is being promoted, it brings new customers in and gives your regular clients up to date information which they appreciate.’




Nicolette adds: ‘Pharmacists also benefit from the systems that we have in place at Care Chemist. For example, we provide online training timed to support the promotions. The online training programme means that pharmacy staff are fully informed and are able to provide their clientele with the highest possible standard of service and care.’

Care Chemist is looking for pharmacies to join the group with selection based on location and their ability to live up to the Care Chemist brand promise:

‘More and more pharmacists are joining the Care Chemist franchise, especially now that times are tough because they appreciate the assurance that comes with being part of a growing group. All of our pharmacists have very warm and welcoming personalities,’ explains Nicolette. ‘They enjoy interacting with their customers and helping them to discover ways to manage their medical conditions or stop them occurring in the first place. They are all very enthusiastic about their role as ‘health coach’ to the local community.’

* $ growth in 4 weeks to 06/12/09, compared to the previous 4 weeks, Aztec data