All across the country, kids are reconnecting with their friends at school and sharing stories of their fun-filled summer adventures. They’re also sharing another thing...germs. Back to School unfortunately also means Back to Sick for our nation’s children. There's no avoiding it. And as one of your communities most trusted healthcare resources, you’ll be front and center with parents as they deal with those inevitable ear infections, throat infections, colds, and the flu. So get ready. Here's how:

Few industries are in for as much change in the coming years as the retail pharmacy industry. Healthcare reform continues to dominate headlines, consumer expectations are shifting, pharmacist and technician roles are expanding, technology is improving, the industry is consolidating, and new players like Amazon are encroaching on the status quo.

Among the many unique benefits that the proliferation of connected technology has brought us in the new Digital Age, perhaps the most distinct has been the increased awareness of the modern consumer. With the greatest wealth of information in history at our fingertips, and a more competitive global economy, individuals today can afford to be selective in choosing the businesses they will patronize. 

Last month, online retail giant Amazon made waves throughout the business world as it was announced that the company would be cutting a $13.7 billion check to acquire health-conscious grocery chain Whole Foods.

Having already pulled significant market share from brick-and-mortar retailers, Amazon is now in a unique position to begin drawing customers from large supermarket chains as well. But it isn’t just grocery chains taking notice.

This article originally appeared in the June 2017 issue of America’s Pharmacist, published by the National Community Pharmacists Association, Alexandria, Va. Reprinted with permission.

Looking for a simple and effective way to grow sales in your pharmacy? Consider promoting medication flavoring. It just might boost both your profits and improve word-of-mouth recommendations from happy patients.

Recently I spoke with five successful pharmacy managers who make it a point to offer medication flavoring. And, while four of them charge for the service, none of them say the modest fee is the reason they promote flavoring. So why do these innovative pharmacists give customers the option to choose the taste of their liquid medicines?