The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 264 No 7082 p207
February 5, 2000 Business

Merchandisers increase sales, says AAH

Merchandising of pharmacy displays by a professional team has increased sales by an average of 36 per cent, according to AAH Pharmaceuticals Ltd. AAH Pharmaceuticals now has a team of merchandisers who visit pharmacies which are part of the Vantage Refresh programme. The first category area covered by the merchandising team was feminine hygiene products. A core range of products was selected using electronic point of sale data from pharmacies in the programme and point of sale material was produced to accompany the range. The merchandising team then visited pharmacies to implement the range and explain the process to pharmacists and counter assistants. Pharmacy staff have been given a review booklet detailing the core range and shelf positioning to ensure that the displays are maintained.

All pharmacies can benefit from merchandising

An average sales increase of 36 per cent over two months was seen in pharmacies which took part in the programme. Four major brands, Always, Bodyform, Lillets and Tampax, which were backed by national advertising campaigns recorded larger increases of up to 45 per cent, which AAH says shows the importance of stocking and displaying branded products which are well supported by advertising.
"Successful merchandising is something which every pharmacy can take advantage of," Mr Steve Dunn (managing director, AAH Pharmaceuticals) commented.

Fascia refit prizes AAH Pharmaceuticals Ltd is offering 200 prizes of a fascia refit, worth up to £1,000 each, under its Vantage Refresh programme as part of the 25th anniversary of the Vantage symbol trading group.
The winning pharmacies will be able to chose from two designs of fascia. The competition is open to members of the Vantage Refresh scheme and those who have applied to join. The draw will take place on February 8. AAH hopes to have all the new fascias in place by the end of April.