Discount Drug Stores’ highly successful private label helps Australians to save significantly on over the counter medications

In the last year alone, customers of Australian pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores have saved an estimated $300,000 by purchasing the brand’s private label line of over the counter (OTC) medicines.

A significant figure that has prompted the pharmacy brand to soon expand into ranges that include vitamins and everyday products, General Manager of Discount Drug Stores Douglas Kuskopf-Dallas states the range has exceeded sales forecasts.

“Our private label range has been extremely successful,” he said. “Its lower price point has been really well accepted by customers with many choosing to swap from the more expensive well-known brands to our line.”

Launched last year at the same time as big supermarket chains began stocking cold and flu medications, Discount Drug Stores’ private label range now includes over 20 product lines, including analgesics, ibuprofen, nasal decongestants and anti-fungal creams, with the brand soon to also release period pain tablets.

Mr Kuskopf-Dallas states its private label strategy is aimed at giving the pharmacy group a greater stronghold on the highly competitive medicines category.

“Grocery is continuing to encroach on our territory in order to increase profits, but they cannot offer the same professional healthcare advice & information that should be provided with all medicine purchases” he explained. “Our high quality, affordable product range is a bonus for our customers who can find well-priced products and specialised healthcare advice in one location.”

Developed in the United States by world leading pharmaceutical manufacturer Perrigo Orion, Discount Drug Stores’ private label range contains the same active ingredients as the current market leaders as well as premium non-active ingredients, which Mr Kuksopf-Dallas states isn’t the case with all own brands.

“Non-active ingredients affect the flavour, size, colour and speed of absorption of the product, so it’s important they are also of high quality. When you combine the quality of our products with the level of customer service and care that we provide, we believe that overall, our customers are getting better value for money than they would if they purchased OTC medicines from their local supermarket,” Mr Kuskopf-Dallas said, “and judging from the success of the range, we think our customers are realising this.”

Currently customers can save on average 26% if they purchase Discount Drug Stores’ OTC medicines, which include analgesics, paracetamol, ibuprofen, sinus and cough and cold products, rather than the well-known brands.

These savings will soon increase with Discount Drug Stores planning to introduce new ranges & lower priced, quality brand vitamins and health and beauty products by the end of the year.

“Our OTC medicines line has really shown that our customers are looking for ways in which they can save more money without sacrificing on quality,” said Mr Kuskopf-Dallas. “By expanding our private label to include everyday essentials, we’ll be able to cater even more to these customers, while hopefully taking back some of our market that grocery has taken control of.”

For more information on Discount Drug Stores, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.

Media enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or s.ross@graymedia.com.au.