Hit me with your best shot! Pharmacies Begin Competition as Flu Season Approaches.

Flu season is now being used by Canadian drug stores as a “seasonal” direct revenue stream that can be used to draw in more customers. The stores’ points of parity is convenience; they are attempting to make it easier to get a vaccine from a local pharmacist than making a doctor’s appointment. Offering flu shots is also an excellent segway to getting people into the store. Shoppers Drug Mart has repositioned their brand into being a one-stop shop for flu shots and other needs. This will also assist with improving upon customer loyalty, as administer shots will be perceived as an act of precaution and goodwill. It also allows pharmacists to branch out and suggest alternative products to aid with prevention. The flu shots are an incentive to get customers through the door, and this alone will allow the drug store to cross-sell products and revenue streams within the store. In addition, these services also increase revenue as they receive government compensation. Therefore, flu shots are an excellent way to generate revenue as they increase store traffic, and minimize overhead costs, which is a key aspect in profit maximization.

http://business.financialpost.com/2013/11/02/retailers-battling-to-win-over-customers-one-flu-shot-at-a-time/

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