The Retail Scientist Blog

The Retail Scientist Blog

25 Tips for your pharmacy to THRIVE in 2025

Jan 12, 2025 | Articles

As we start 2025, independent community pharmacies face both challenges and opportunities. Here are my 25 tips to help your pharmacy to not just survive, but THRIVE in the evolving competitive landscape.

Capitalise on Growth Areas

1. Focus on Pharmacy Medicines. The Coughs & Colds category led the way in 2024 with +6% growth in sales thanks to the reintroduction of the Pseudoephedrine-containing products. Ensure your pharmacy is well-stocked with the core range of products and that staff are skilled in their medicine recommendations.

2. Expand health services instore. More vaccinations are being delivered in pharmacies and some regions are still funded to treat “common conditions.” Instore services represents a significant growth opportunity for pharmacies.

3. Invest in home healthcare and first aid. These specialised retail areas require expertise and advice, and therefore have potential for expansion and increased revenue.

4. Specialise in health supplements. Differentiate your pharmacy by offering specialty health supplements with personalised recommendations. The mass market brands are widely distributed and will increasingly be sold in discount stores.

Enhance Workflow Efficiency in the Dispensary

5. Install a second screen at all dispensary workstations. This surprisingly simple step will transform productivity and reduce errors.

6. Implement a new shelf area for “Today’s Finished Scripts”. This will streamline your fulfillment process by reducing the time spent searching for each customer’s prescription.

7. Optimise your “pharmacist checking” bench. Ensure your dispensary layout supports an efficient, uninterrupted place for this vital role.

8. Invest in dispensary automation. Automated tablet counters and compliance packing robots (e.g. Cretem) will increase efficiency and reduce errors by removing manual, repetitive tasks.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

9. Steer clear of discount pricing strategies. This will devalue your services and erode profits.

10. Rationalise your retail inventory. Reduce non-core product ranges and avoid over-ordering of parcel deals and promotional stands.

11. Manage stock levels carefully. Implement automated ordering rules to prevent out-of-stocks. Being under-stocked negatively impacts customer satisfaction.

12. Prioritise staff training and retention. Address staff shortages and ensure all employees are well-trained on your company values, key service skills, and core product recommendations.

Embrace Digital Solutions

13. Implement online service bookings. Make it easy for customers to schedule appointments.

14. Use text reminders. Improve communication and reduce no-shows.

15. Explore social media retailing. Leverage these channels to reach and engage younger customers.

16. Build and maintain a customer email database. This is crucial for cost-effective marketing and communication.

17. Implement an email marketing program. Use your customer database to boost engagement and profits through targeted customer messaging.

Prepare for Upcoming Trends

18. Plan for a fully integrated prescription app. Stay ahead of the curve in digital health.

19. Develop omnichannel retailing. You will need to implement a click-and-collect service to meet changing customer expectations.

20. Explore AI technologies. Consider software like Script Sense to enhance your operations.

21. Adopt an electronic CD register. Stay compliant and improve inventory management.

22. Create podcasts and videos. Use multimedia content to educate and attract customers.

Expand Your Services

23. Introduce in-store nurse clinics. This can expand your service offerings and attract more customers.

24. Increase the number of dedicated consulting spaces. Meet the growing demand for personalised healthcare treatments such as wound care, nutritional advice and travel medicine.

25. Diversify into specialty home healthcare products. Tap into this growing market for mobility, monitoring, sleep services and incontinence products (there are a huge number of customers over the age of 65 who will pay).


By implementing these tips, your independent community pharmacy can position itself for success in 2025 and beyond. Remember, the key is to stay adaptable, embrace technology, and always prioritise your customers’ needs.

Get in touch and find out how the IPG is helping pharmacies to THRIVE in 2025.

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