PHOENIX group opens 2,500th pharmacy

• BENU introduces new pharmacy concept across Europe
• Flagship pharmacy in Prague combines modern shopping with proven pharmacy professionalism
• Preparation of further BENU openings in Czech Republic

BENU, the largest pharmacy brand of the leading European healthcare provider PHOENIX group, is celebrating the opening of the company’s 2,500th pharmacy. Together with Rowlands Pharmacy in the United Kingdom, Apotek 1 in Norway, Help Net in Romania, and the corporate brand BENU, PHOENIX group pharmacy chains advise patients on pharmaceuticals and general health across Europe. The 2,500th pharmacy is located in Prague. It is the 40th BENU pharmacy in the Czech capital and the 222nd of all BENU pharmacies in the country.

Yesterday, the 240-square-metre BENU flagship pharmacy in Prague’s landmark shopping centre Chodov started with a whole new store concept that focuses on openness to customers. The new design creates a warm and friendly shopping environment by combining a modern, visual interior with natural materials, such as wooden wall modules and lamellas. It also provides interactive features, advisory services in dermocosmetics, and has a private consultation room. “Our new concept now combines state-of-the-art technology with proven pharmacy services,” said Stefan Herfeld, member of PHOENIX group’s Executive Board Retail. “ In the Czech Republic alone, we intend to set up twenty new BENU pharmacies by the end of the year, implementing the new store concept,” he added at the opening ceremony.

A view into the laboratory
One of the concept's novelties are interactive screens showing the customer key information about chosen products. The Prague Chodov pharmacy also emphasises the importance of the pharmacist’s profession by giving customers the opportunity to look directly into the pharmacy’s laboratory, which is normally hidden in the back. The pharmacy has a big side window where customers can watch the preparation of ointments, eye drops, and other medications made by pharmacists inside the laboratory.

Preventive programmes and personal consultations
The pharmacy offers above-standard services to customers, such as personal consultations in a separate room with certified pharmacists who advise on diabetes, measure blood sugar – including screening for diabetes – describe needed medications, and identify potentially dangerous medicine interactions. Thanks to preventive programmes and personal consultations, BENU intends on being a lifelong healthcare partner to its patients.