WELLNESS

More Than Meds: Why Pharmacists are Your New Health & Wellness MVPs

Pharmacists

On World Pharmacists Day, AS Watson, Watsons Philippines’ parent company, took a moment to celebrate the incredible health professionals who are the backbone of global wellbeing: pharmacists and the broader team of health specialists.

The celebration acknowledges that their role is about more than just dispensing prescriptions. As Peter Macnab, International Commercial Director of AS Watson, stated, the commitment of their over 3,000 pharmacists and nearly 10,000 global health professionals “goes far beyond in-store services.” These specialists act as trusted advisors, offering expert advice and even online consultations to ensure customers can navigate their health journeys with confidence, anytime, anywhere.

In the Philippines, Watsons proudly joined this global initiative. Their goal is simple: to empower their pharmacists to offer expanded health services and help build a healthier future for every Filipino.

Pharmacists

The Wellness Revolution is Here—And It’s Personal

The world of health is changing fast, driven by a growing focus on preventive care and a rising demand for convenient, expert health solutions.

This focus is clearly reflected in the business’s growth. In the past year, AS Watson’s overall health and beauty sales jumped over 10%, with key growth areas like vitamins & dietary supplements (up over 10%) and diet & fitness (a surge of over 20%).

A Holistic Approach to Weight Management

One of the fastest-growing segments is weight management, which has seen a massive 130% increase in sales of related products and services. With global obesity rates rising, customers are increasingly turning to AS Watson’s pharmacists for safe, expert guidance. The teams offer access to medicines and supplements alongside personalised advice on nutrition, lifestyle, and sustainable health practices, helping customers take a truly holistic approach to their wellbeing.

Seamless Health: Offline Plus Online (O+O)

The way people shop for health is also evolving. AS Watson’s O+O (Offline plus Online) retail strategy is making health essentials more accessible than ever. Online sales of health products have surged by 30% year-on-year. This growth underscores how much customers value the convenience of an O+O experience and their increasing tendency to proactively manage their wellbeing.

To meet these trends, AS Watson has significantly expanded its health product portfolio, offering a comprehensive range from everyday vitamins to condition-specific solutions. The company is committed to supporting every customer’s unique health journey with both breadth and depth of choice.

Health is Ageless: Serving Every Generation

It’s not just what people are buying, it’s who is prioritising health. AS Watson is witnessing a dynamic shift in customer demographics:

  • The Younger Generation: This segment is showing remarkable year-on-year growth of 30% in seeking health products. They are actively focused on preventive care, wellness, and seeking expert advice that supports their active lifestyles and long-term goals.
  • The Silver Generation: Customers aged 60 and above now represent over 30% of AS Watson’s health shoppers. They spend 1.4 times more than the average health shopper, underscoring the importance of personalised health solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Peter Macnab added that both younger and older consumers “are powerful forces in the health category,” and the company is dedicated to supporting them with relevant products, expert advice, and a seamless O+O shopping experience.

Pharmacists

Watsons Philippines: A Proactive Health Partner

Watsons Philippines is amplifying its mission to make wellness more accessible for all. The company is strengthening its commitment to customer health by becoming the go-to destination for health and wellness through vital new partnerships:

  • Diabetes Management: Watsons has partnered with Diabetes Philippines, Inc. (DPI) to train its pharmacists. This equips them to go beyond conventional practice and provide expert advice on managing diabetes and its complications, improving awareness and early detection in the community.
  • Free Obesity Screenings: In partnership with global healthcare leader Novo Nordisk, Watsons will offer free obesity screenings. This initiative brings professional assessments and expert advice directly to customers onsite at selected Watsons stores.

These collaborations reinforce Watsons’ goal of being a trusted health partner. Ultimately, this commitment helps the brand deliver on its promise to help Filipinos “Look Good, Do Good, Feel Great.”

Please visit www.aswatson.com/our-company/o-and-o-strategy/ for more information.

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