McKesson plans to grow the Health Mart
Franchise into the nation's top independent
pharmacy network, uniting leading independents
under a common brand. The franchise
levels the playing field for independent pharmacists
by arming its members with the
resources and national strength they need to
better compete in today's growing competitive
marketplace.
Considered a fundamentally unique franchise
model that addresses the specific needs of practicing
independent pharmacists, Health Mart
delivers national strength, protection, and benefits
with no sign-up costs or binding commitment.
Franchisees pay a low monthly fee, which
is not tied to revenue, and they have a 3-month
opt-out clause, which can be used at any time
without penalty.
From frequent shifts in public policy to growing
competition from chain and mail-order pharmacies
to a changing patient demographic, independent
pharmacies face key challenges that
affect their ability to compete and grow. Health
Mart helps in the following ways:
•Managed care—Health Mart franchisees
benefit from automatic enrollment in Access
Health, McKesson's managed care contracting
entity, which conducts third-party contracting
with pharmacy benefit managers on
behalf of pharmacy members
•Branding—Through a national branding
and advertising campaign, a consumer
Web site, advertising templates and
resources for local marketing, and contemporary
store signage and décor, the franchisees
benefit from increased customer
recognition and store traffic
•In-store execution—Health Mart's FrontEdge
Merchandiser program helps franchisees reinforce
relationships with manufacturers
through dedicated resources for front-end
store execution, guaranteeing consistent merchandising
for product introductions and special
promotions
•Community—Health Mart provides an
opportunity for franchisees to come
together and share best practices, to partner
more effectively with industry associations
and policy makers, and to gain from
continued education opportunities around
timely business and clinical topics.
