Dis-Chem Boost For Pharmacists

AllAfrica.com:

Pharmacy chain Dis-Chem would use its franchising expansion strategy to help retain young pharmacy graduates and assist black entrepreneurs to enter the market, the group said yesterday.

The privately owned chain of 34 stores, founded 30 years ago by Ivan Saltzman, has grown into SA’s second-largest pharmacy group with projected turnover this year of R4bn.

Director Stan Goetsch said the strategy would allow pharmacists to own up to 49% of the store and would help in retaining skills in the industry. Retail pharmacists faced high barriers to entry and the move would create opportunities for these skilled individuals, he said.

Dis-Chem would consider allowing a pharmacist to build up his or her stake to 49% gradually if capital was a difficulty.
The company has been expanding for several years, opening six stores a year, but has opted for franchising to speed up growth, especially in smaller cities.

Dis-Chem partnered with Eric Parker of business consultancy Franchising Plus to design its model.