Page 17 - Retail Pharmacy Magazine October 2020

TWC ‘STRONG GROWTH’ STRATEGY UNVEILED AT VIRTUAL EVENT TerryWhite Chemmart (TWC) revealed its ‘roadmap for success’ at its annual supplier update event held virtually last month, with more than 300 suppliers in virtual attendance. The strategy for “strong growth” includes an “intense focus” on supporting the network in challenging retail and economic conditions, store growth, significant enhancements to its signature health events and destination categories, enhancements to its digital capabilities, and a new customer value proposition. TWC says the roadmap builds on the network’s strong trading performance, a current top position in the Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction poll, the addition of 24 new trading stores so far this year with accelerated growth expected, an increase in marketing investment driven alongside support with its supplier partners, the delivery of more than 550,000 flu vaccinations and a ‘Masterclass’ event held in early March attended by a record number of participants. After recently rolling out the newly revamped e-commerce platform with a localised focus and fast ‘click and deliver’ or ‘click and collect’, TWC CEO Duncan Phillips says the network has no plan to slow down. The platform builds on TWC’s growing digital portfolio, which it says also includes a health app with built- in e-commerce and snap-and-send/ tap-to-refill features; a sophisticated integrated ordering system, BuyBetter; e-script integration services; and the technological capabilities that come through its partnership with delivery provider Drive Yello. “Our brand is evolving with big digital investments to support our network partners,” Mr Phillips said. “We’re experiencing extremely strong network growth and increasing our investment in marketing, which will also benefit our supplier partners.” TWC General Manager of Merchandise Rowan Howarth says he is confident of the business’s ability to grow its supplier partner relationships, based on recent performance and a firm mindset to be bold and different. He referred to the ‘That’s real chemistry’ campaign, which “has resonated so well with our network partners and consumers”. “Customers trust the service and advice that they get from our network partners, and that means that now more than ever, suppliers are going to win with TerryWhite Chemmart,” Mr Howarth said. “My team is actively encouraging our supplier partners to be bold with what we can work together on as we look toward 2021.” More recently, TerryWhite Chemmart launched its ‘Dispensary excellence program’ driven by newly appointed Chief Pharmacist Brenton Hart. At this event, TWC also announced its first ever virtual Network Partner Conference will be held next year from February 28 to March 2. “We can’t wait to connect with all our network partners and suppliers in this new environment,” Mr Phillips said. “It will certainly be a first for us and probably for many in attendance, but I’m confident we can deliver an incredible event. And there are some big advantages: no travel requirements and no need to pack down trade stands.” RETAIL PHARMACY • OCT 2020 EVENTS 15 HIGH PRAISE FOR WORK OF QUEENSLAND PHARMACIES Queensland community pharmacists have been congratulated by the state’s parliamentarians for the integral role they continue to play during the Covid-19 pandemic. The annual dinner held by the Pharmacy Guild’s Queensland Branch at Parliament House in Brisbane brought together the state’s leading politicians from all parties, as well as community pharmacy leaders and key industry stakeholders to recognise the outstanding contributions that community pharmacies make. Praise was expressed for the valuable service that community pharmacies continue to provide the Queensland community, particularly while on the frontline of the pandemic. Queensland’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles, the state’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young and Pharmacy Guild Queensland Branch President Professor Trent Twomey. Key addresses from Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles reflected on the unprecedented year so far, and the resilience and leadership shown by community pharmacists, whom he said had stepped up to help Queenslanders during the pandemic. expanding vaccinations to emergency provisions, to the urinary tract infection pharmacy pilot, electronic prescriptions and medications substitution, community pharmacies are there for Queenslanders. “We’ll only be able to quickly and safely vaccinate Queenslanders against Covid-19 with the assistance of the community pharmacy network.” “Pharmacies have an incredibly important role to play in our community,” he said. “They’re trusted. They’re local. They’re convenient. Queensland Health is glad to work closely with the Guild to take care of the community. From