Pharmacy Daily | DDS ‘game-changer’ models

SIGMA'S Discount Drug Stores (DDS) has announced new retail concepts and technological advancements at its 11th national conference on the Gold Coast this week, concepts which are set to "change the game" for the evolution of the brand.

This included the launch of its new health foods concept, the rollout of its Next Generational Retail Platform powered by FRED NXT, and the launch of the DDS Retail Academy.

The brand announced two new retail models offering current owners, franchisees and potential owners a broader, more diverse array of options "to deliver healthcare advice and solutions to patients and the local community".

These include incorporating its new health foods concept into a "store within a store", and a new pharmacy and health foods "big box" model.

With five big box concept stores for the health foods business already open across Queensland, and two DDS stores implementing the "store within a store" concept in Western Australia, DDS has already seen the new category drive significant growth.

Sigma Discount Pharmacy Retail Group gm Douglas Kuskopf-Dallas says its launch of its health food concept is the evolution of the brand.

"Our goal is to become a total holistic healthcare destination supporting overall customer wellness," said Kuskopf-Dallas.

DDS identified growing customer demand for organics and health foods as a priority and, also referencing the first drive-through pharmacy and 24-hour store, Kuskopf-Dallas said the company is ensuring it stays ahead of a constantly changing industry.

Following trials, the company is also preparing for the rollout of Next Generation Retail Platform, powered by FRED NXT.

The integration with DDS preferred systems has allowed stores to go paperless, Kuskopf-Dallas said, enabling better management of front-of-shop operations.

In addition, DDS will roll out a "host of new training programs for retail staff including Discount Drug Stores' Retail Academy to upskill retail teams".