NPA to assist members in setting up ecommerce websites

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is launching a new service that will help UK pharmacies to establish public websites with ecommerce facilities.

NPA members will be assisted in setting up a click-and-collect option for more than 40,000 retail items – including feminine care, baby care and toiletries – from their websites, providing greater convenience for the customer while preserving in-store footfall.

The organisation will also help to integrate online features such as a unique web address, space for a company logo and invoice branding, an online repeat prescription service and a home page containing key commercial and promotional information.

It will help independent firms to modernise their business practices and supply a wider product range without sacrificing shelf space.

Mike Holden, chief executive at the NPA, said: "To survive over the long term, the sector needs to embrace online opportunities, but in such a way that does not divert footfall and the delivery pathway away from pharmacy in the community."

The new service was unveiled at the NPA's recent London conference, which was held on May 12th 2013.