Pharmacy Daily | Banner battle: TWC, DCO on top

TERRYWHITE Chemmart (TWC) is now the largest pharmacy group by store count, with most growth coming from other outlets joining its banner, according to a new report from IQVIA on pharmacy banner switching.

Meanwhile, Direct Chemist Outlet (DCO) has also had one of the highest number of store gains over the past 12 months.

TWC gained 55 new outlets, of which five were new openings and 50 were switches from other banners - notably Amcal, which contributed 13.

However, TWC also lost 16 outlets, due to three closures and 13 switches - with five to Amcal - for a net gain of 39 new stores.

"In the past year, we've welcomed a significant number of new pharmacies to TWC, with the network consistently outperforming the market in both retail and script growth," Nick Munroe, TWC Executive GM told Pharmacy Daily.

"This has been driven by the strength of our offer, the depth of our support, and our clear focus on helping pharmacists and their teams deliver better care to more Australians," Munroe added.

DCO gained 22 new outlets, comprising 15 switches and seven new openings, with no closures or losses, creating a total network of 132 stores.

DCO Director Ian Tauman told PD the numbers show that owners are "very satisfied" with the banner, and are staying with it.

"DCO is the fastest growing group in Australia, and we're proud of what we have achieved, especially competing against ASX-listed groups," Tauman said.

Other banners with net gains included Priceline with 17, Chemist Discount Centre with 10, Caremore Pharmacy and Chemist Warehouse both with eight, and Blooms the Chemist with seven.

TWC remains the largest banner group in the country with 584 stores when the report's data was collated, with Chemist Warehouse on 542 and Priceline on 419.

Meanwhile, one in six pharmacies unite under Independent Pharmacies Australia, which has more than 1,000 member stores that include four banners as well as independents. KB