Drug Topics - December 17, 2007 - (Page 12)

12 DRUG TOPICS DECEMBER 17, 2007 www.drugtopics.com Of Interest to Pharmacists Independent pharmacies are dreaming of a green Christmas Sandra Levy I ndependent pharmacies anticipate that consumers sale will win the prizes. We accumulate a mailing list at will flock to their stores to buy gifts and decora- the same time,” said Buda. tions for the holiday season. Dave Marley, owner of Marley Drug, WinstonSouth Miami Pharmacy, Miami Beach, recently in- Salem, N.C., is betting on a new gift line as well as a spa troduced gift cards including Home Depot, Sears, Best Buy, and Bass Pro Shops. Armando Bardisa, the pharmacy owner, said, “I believe these will do very well closer to the holidays. Because of the traffic and crowds around the holidays, we believe our patients will love our Gift Card services. We will also be offering the usual sweets, such as candy canes, sugar cookies, chocolate, and eggnog.” Scott Buda, president of Health Mart Pharmacies of Lynbrook and Freeport in New York, predicts Webkinz interactive stuffed animals will be a strong holiday item in the toy category, especially as newer Webkinz items are strategically released closer to the holidays. He also expects cash registers to ring up traditional ornaments, in- South Miami Pharmacy in Florida is all dressed up for the holidays cluding glass balls and garlands as well as licensed ornaments featuring Spongebob, Dora the line of lotions and creams. Marley has stocked the Explorer, Family Guy, and Disney characters. shelves with Christmas carol-singing animals, including “What’s funny is that no matter how hard we try, you a snowman, an elf, and a dancing duck. He also has munever know if multicolor lights or clear lights will be sic boxes, lighted Santa hats, holiday gift wrap, tags, more popular for the upcoming season. It changes every bags, and holiday pens. He’s also counting on sales from year. Icicle lights are always popular as consumers get spiritual gift items, including rocks with quotes, verse more and more into decorating the outside of their cards, ceramic angels, pewter bookmarks with quotes, home and competing with their neighbors,” Buda said. guardian angel visor clips, greeting cards, and books Buda believes gift-wrapping goods will fly out the with inspirational messages. DT door. “Consumers always wait until the last minute to purchase these items, and the convenience of the local drugstore takes over and we capitalize on this category as a result.” He also anticipates picture frames, jewelry boxes, collectibles, candles, appliances, and electronics will find their way under Christmas trees. Buda has implemented a new strategy to entice consumers to spend. The pharmacy is running a contest in which consumers earn bonus prize dollars for visiting the store and making purchases along with their friends and family. “We have 10 fabulous prizes on display and keep a chart with the contestant’s name and number, which we Health Mart Pharmacies of Lynbrook and Freeport in update weekly, so they can see what place they are in. New York are getting customers in the mood to The 10 customers with the most points at the end of the shop. http://www.drugtopics.com

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Drug Topics - December 17, 2007 Contents Noncompete Clause: Help or Hindrance? Don't Overlook Feminine Care and Family Planning Independent Pharmacies Are Dreaming of a Green Christmas Latest News Roundup

Drug Topics - December 17, 2007

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