A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down…
~ Killarney Riviera Integrated Health Pharmacy unveils new store look and feel
As the human race strives for longevity and the promotion of health and quality; never before has healthcare played such a crucial role in our day-to-day lives. It is therefore of no surprise that pharmacies abound within our living spaces and have even permeated our conventional retail stores too. On 28 June, 2012, Killarney Riviera Integrated Health Pharmacy, officially unveiled its new store design, but more importantly – its way of perceiving and meeting the all-inclusive healthcare needs of the modern world. Killarney Riviera Integrated Health Pharmacy: A little different
Successfully established in Killarney Mall for 29 years, owner Andrea Levy, had a specific vision for the refurbishment of her business. With the shop having experienced numerous facelifts over the years; Levy turned to agency owner Morris Slabbert, and tasked his team with the following brief:
Breathe new life into the pharmacy, and move in-line with international trends in terms of product-focused shop fittings
Achieve an overall union of disciplines in healthcare, so as to offer the customer a holistic shopping and service experience
Revised store layout to enable the staff to provide their specialised expertise within an integrated environment
Getting down to business:
Says Morris Slabbert, “Our brief for this particular refurbishment was pointed in terms of what our client wished to achieve. We sought to achieve this goal by incorporating natural and traditional healthcare, as a single and seamless offering. We believe that through this thinking, we are setting new avenues in healthcare for the independent pharmacy market.”
Understanding and appreciating that every day a retail environment is closed, it loses money; Morris Slabbert Designs (MSD) ensured that the pharmacy was able to trade throughout the makeover timeline. The course of change:
The greatest design change was a décor move towards a minimalistic look and feel. The spotlight has been focused on the stock, rather than the structures; with clean, simple and open shop lines employed to easy overall navigation within the retail space. A natural flow through the pharmacy has been created, with the dispensary being the end destination. Emphasis has been created per area and according to product, as per dedicated experience zones. Pharmacists can now view the entire store, at a glance. The inclusion of allopathic (traditional) and homeopathic (natural) dispensaries, allow for a more universal approach to well-being. A touch of the unique:
LED lighting was installed as a green alternative to saving on operating costs. The lighting is easy on the eyes and focused on product, rather than merely offering ambient illumination. Adds Slabbert, “The South African retail environment is very different to that of its European counterpart. In Europe, retailers concentrate and highlight on their stock offering, with a minimal approach. Locally, we have a tendency to overload shelves with as much stock as possible – creating a supermarket, rather than a pharmacy setting.”
Furthermore, brave colour choices were selected to accentuate stock, as opposed to structure. The colour, height and final positioning of units, reinforces the illusion of crisp, open space. An added dimension is a comprehensive beauty and gifting area, offering selected and distinctive, world-class cosmetics and fragrances. Side by side:
Says Killarney Riviera Integrated Health Pharmacy owner Andrea Levy, “We are thrilled with our latest store refurbishment. Customers are already enjoying the complete healthcare experience and benefits of each professionally qualified member of staff, contributing to an encompassing service package of wellness and positive health outcomes. We are proud and privileged to offer a conventional pharmacy, supported by a complimentary healthcare department, which includes homeopathy, herbal (which includes Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine), nutrition and supplements. With our new store design and offering in place, we are honoured to serve our mantra: Where good health and services comes naturally.”
The verdict thus far:
Concludes Levy, “We have received very positive and highly complimentary feedback thus far. Even customers who have experienced buying at pharmacies around the world, have commented on the uniqueness and inclusive feel of our new store.”
