Promotional push on new services

Discount Drug Mart made two key acquisitions last year that strengthened the chain’s position as a locally owned, full-service specialty pharmacy chain that can meet an array of consumer health needs.

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Its acquisition of Hastings, a professional medical equipment supplier, allowed the chain to increase its selection of durable medical equipment and offer new services to its customers. “Many of these items are for customers who have recently been in the hospital and are still in need of some of the assistance provided there. Our customers are now able to visit our stores and speak to a home health care specialist to order the products they need, from hospital beds to oxygen tanks,” said Amanda Akin, marketing specialist at the chain. “Hastings will deliver the equipment to their homes and set it up. The acquisition helps Discount Drug Mart be a one-stop shop for consumers.”



The chain also acquired Gentry Health Services specialty pharmacy service. The acquisition allows the chain to provide specialty prescriptions to its customers chainwide, particularly to patients with AIDS and cancer.



Discount Drug Mart is focused on promoting the new services through in-store signage, promotional mailers, and circular and television, radio and digital media ads. “We like to advertise ourselves as the ‘hometown pharmacy,’ focusing on the idea that we don’t have large stores, and customers don’t have to park too far away from the front door,” said Akin. “We stress convenience for older generations and parents with young children.”



The company continued to emphasize its immunization program, which includes flu, shingles, pneumonia and other vaccines. The chain also focused on expanding its Pets Meds program, which offers pet medications often below veterinarian prices.