Allans the Chemist

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 22 Jun 2005, 15:03

We all know that Superstores are turning themselves into 'mini high streets' and decimating local traders who cannot compete on price. I therefore love to see local businesses taking initiatives by adding value to their services and products.

Allans the Chemist, having led the way on prescription pick up and delivery are currently refurbishing their shop to incorporate a health centre. This will give space for private consultations with a Pharmacist and also offer complimentary services such as chiropody, aromatherapy etc.

A fantastic example of how a local business can stay ahead of the game and differentiate themselves successfully from the giants. It is initiatives like this that I believe keep local high streets alive.

10/10 for a fellow Trader in what I hope will prove a successful venture.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 22 Jun 2005, 15:55

Cool

It was a good chemist before revamp will be good to see improvements as and when

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 22 Jun 2005, 15:59

Pal of Porty wrote:Allans the Chemist, having led the way on prescription pick up and delivery are currently refurbishing their shop to incorporate a health centre. This will give space for private consultations with a Pharmacist and also offer complimentary services such as chiropody, aromatherapy etc.

A fantastic example of how a local business can stay ahead of the game and differentiate themselves successfully from the giants. It is initiatives like this that I believe keep local high streets alive.

Not sure you are right here PoP. I forecast they will lose a fortune. However, I must pop in and complement them on their endeavor.

teddygirl · Post by **teddygirl** » 22 Jun 2005, 16:37

Kidds the Chemist did a similar thing a while back. Seems to be working for them.

Robin! · Post by **Robin!** » 22 Jun 2005, 17:04

Allans also have a branch on Ferry Road. Good on them, considering Boots has been next door for a number of years too! The smallest boots I've ever been in may I add!

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 22 Jun 2005, 17:10

Robin! wrote:The smallest boots I've ever been in may I add!

Smallest I've been in is my wife's - size 6!

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 22 Jun 2005, 17:15

teddygirl wrote:Kidds the Chemist did a similar thing a while back. Seems to be working for them.

Yes, they are another good example of a local trader delivering an enhanced service rather than 'just a prescription'. Who needs ASDA!

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 22 Jun 2005, 17:23

I think they are just being forward thinking. It's NHS policy now for less people to go to the GP for minor things, and there will be a new Minor Ailments Service starting next year which will mean you will be able to get stuff free from the chemist without having seen a GP.

They are already trialing it at pharmacies elsewhere in Scotland, and when the new Pharmacy contracts come in, pharmacists will be paid (I think) dpeending on how many patients they have registered with them. So it makes sense to have a consulting room.

Nice, also, to see complimentary methods start to integrate with mainstream medicine - imho each has its place and there is increasing evidence of the efficacy of things previously regarded as cuckoo - like acupuncture which I am now pretty much convinced works. Not a convert to homeopathics *yet*.

In my limited understanding.

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 22 Jun 2005, 21:40

Yes I agree Dadaist but it is still nice to see people embrace change instead of moaning about it. Also fits nicely with the strategy of GP surgeries expanding their range of clinical services to reduce the need to go to hospital for minor requirements. All makes sense to me.

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 22 Jun 2005, 21:47

Pal of Porty wrote:Yes I agree Dadaist but it is still nice to see people embrace change instead of moaning about it. Also fits nicely with the strategy of GP surgeries expanding their range of clinical services to reduce the need to go to hospital for minor requirements. All makes sense to me.

Agreed.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 22 Jun 2005, 22:45

Robin! wrote:Boots has been next door for a number of years too! The smallest boots I've ever been in may I add!

Too true! Can't get a good beauty shopping fix there, still probably spend less money which will keep bearcub happy!

Robin! · Post by **Robin!** » 22 Jun 2005, 23:15

Pal of Porty wrote:
Robin! wrote:The smallest boots I've ever been in may I add!
Smallest I've been in is my wife's - size 6!

Nice one, lol!

Hope they do well tho, I take it the pharmacy will still be there?

CatzVP · Post by **CatzVP** » 23 Jun 2005, 05:30

Robin! wrote:The smallest boots I've ever been in may I add!

I'm surprised Boots is still there. I worked for them as a dispenser 19 years ago and they were close to closing then, because of the superior competition.

Robin! · Post by **Robin!** » 23 Jun 2005, 18:59

CatzVP wrote:
Robin! wrote:The smallest boots I've ever been in may I add!
I'm surprised Boots is still there. I worked for them as a dispenser 19 years ago and they were close to closing then, because of the superior competition.

Apparently, you know Drumsheugh Gardens, used to be a chemist there... used to have a roaring trade due to the fact a nursing home was next door... boots bought them over and closed the chemist!

Talk Porty ~ Portobello

Allans the Chemist

Allans the Chemist

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