New Technology Improves Branding for Retail Health

Up until a few years ago, if you needed a flu shot, you probably called your doctor to make an appointment. Now all you have to do is walk in to your local drugstore and get your vaccination within minutes. Many take advantage of this convenient service – Walgreens alone administered more than 5.5 million vaccines in 2012.

This new motivator to get people in the door can mean dollar signs for business. Because you have to walk through the store to get to the place where they give vaccinations, you may come away with toothpaste, hair spray and fabric softener in addition to your flu shot.

Retail health businesses need get in front of customers more often, not just during flu season. Many top names are doing this by using new technology and even opening it up to third parties.

Walgreens, for example, recently introduced an application programming interface (API) that allows mobile developers to integrate Walgreens’ prescription-refill technology into their own apps. Users can refill a prescription while they are doing other things on their smartphone, like checking the weather or stock market.

Walgreens’ own app has become more engaging for users. It includes a health info tab that allows users to access health information and tools to track personal health data, such as weight loss and body mass index. It even includes a floor map of the store to help shoppers navigate when they’re inside.

CVS has enhanced its branding by utilizing mobile technology. Their iPad app is designed to look like a virtual pharmacy. Users can create a custom shopping list so they can easily identify money-saving deals each week before they walk into the store.

New technology in retail health is becoming more than just a resource. It can engage users, enhance branding and increase traffic.