Unichem has launched a split-pack order service for more than 9,000 over-the-counter lines. The company says that this means that independent pharmacies will be able to compete with pharmacy multiples on price and range, reduce their stockholdings, cut out damage and shrinkage, increase sales and profit, make better use of staff time, free storage space and offer improved customer services.
Unichem expects to provide a next-day delivery service for orders placed by 2pm. Pharmacists who are prepared to commit a substantial proportion of their total OTC business to Unichem can sign up for the company's "Counter attack" scheme, which offers 10 per cent off brand orders and 15 per cent off Unichem own-brands.
Explaining the benefits of the new service, Mr Peter Skinner (marketing controller, Unichem) said in a statement on June 16 that pharmacists could order what they wanted as they wanted it without having to manage a bulk of unsold stock in the pharmacy. Store room space could then be used more effectively for counselling areas, other health care services or given over to increased selling space.
Mr Skinner said: "We believe that this is the greatest opportunity that pharmacists have had in the OTC market for years. This will finally provide them with the means seriously to compete with bigger retailers."