THE LOCAL CHOICE CITY GATE PHARMACY IN GATEWAY IS SMALL … BUT IT’S A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH
A small “stand alone” pharmacy in one of South Africa’s biggest shopping centres, surrounded by large corporate pharmacies may be daunted by such competition.
However, The Local Choice City Gate Pharmacy has been conveniently situated at Gateway Theatre of Shopping for 15 years and is still going strong. Owners, husband and wife team Shahida and Ismail Hansrot, have a depth of knowledge that spans 40 years (collective) experience in the industry.
Shahida, a Mount Edgecombe resident, recalls a conversation that led to her decision to open the pharmacy in Gateway in 2004. “I had been playing golf with a friend who had a shop in Gateway. At the time there wasn’t a pharmacy in Gateway and apparently many of the store owners felt that a pharmacy there was desperately needed. Well, that was the end of golf!”
Gateway’s Revamp
A recent major revamp of Gateway initially caused problems with customers having to “refind” some of the shops. “Thankfully we’re now back on track, with our customers having found us again!” smiles Shahida. “Together with our well qualified staff we have always taken pride in our excellent rapport with our customers rather than a ‘take a number’ service.” The couple also own The Local Choice Pharmacy in Stonebridge, Phoenix.
Last year Shahida took the pharmacy to an exciting new level by joining The Local Choice Pharmacies. “The people who run this franchise are young and energetic and really keen on getting the brand out there.”
The Benefits
- A loyalty card offering instant discounts, rather than waiting for cash backs;
- Regular promotions;
- Eco friendly packaging;
- National competitions – Shahida was delighted when one of their customers recently won a car;
- Cost effective measures such as promoting generics;
- Buying power – The Local Choice Pharmacies are a “mini cousin” of Dis-Chem which means consistently competitive prices;
- Free delivery – “Customers can conveniently order via Whatsapp or email. This works well for our older customers,” comments Shahida “and when they do come in they sometimes stay for a chat and a cup of coffee.”
Expert advice, empathy and committed personal service is key to keeping community pharmacies alive and thriving. Local Choice City Gate Pharmacy is a prime example.
FOR MORE INFO
031 566 3992, 076 611 3466; citygate@thelocalchoice.co.za