K e p p le B ay P l az a
How long has Live Life Pharmacy
Keppel Bay Plaza been operating?
We purchased the pharmacy in March
2004. Since then, it has been in three
locations within our shopping centre. The
latest relocation enabled us to create our
health foods store which is like a store
within a store. It’s looking likely that we’ll
be expanding this area shortly too!
Who are your main types of
customers?
As we are located within one of the
major shopping centres in Yeppoon, we
have all sorts of customers. However, this
centre probably attracts an older clientele
so our clinical work tends to concentrate
on management of chronic disease.
What is it about your store that is
distinctly different from other pharmacies?
We have a distinct health food store
within the pharmacy premises itself. So,
that is pretty unique and is almost run as a
separate business within the pharmacy.
What are the changes in peoples
buying habits you have noticed over the
past couple of years?
Technology! We are often shown
photos on customers phones of products
they are seeking which have been
recommended by friends or family. Also,
customers are more informed now too so
can often question our staff on evidence,
alternative products/recommendations
or on self-diagnosis. Dr. Google is prolific
and as the most accessible health care
professional, pharmacists are often asked
their opinions on a whole range of health
related topics.
What are the fastest moving
categories within your store?
Natural skin care ranges and our
health foods.
What trends do you predict over the
next twelve months?
I think social media will continue to
drive and influence consumer behaviour -
be it from health and fitness, to cosmetics
or nutrition. It is great to see fitness and
“wellness” activities featuring so heavily
and being so popular on social media.
That will have such a positive effect on
the health of the population in decades to
come.
Where do you see the natural health
sector heading in the next couple of years?
Onwards and upwards. Absolutely!
People are increasingly seeking their
own solutions to health and medical
concerns now and this often leads them
to researching more natural health
care solutions. As pharmacists it is
so important that we understand the
evidence behind the products in this area
so we can help consumers navigate the
burgeoning information and products
available and ensure it is complementary
to and suitable with their traditional
medications and therapies.
What changes would you like to
see occur within the Natural Health and
Wellness sector?
More integrated practitioners who
straddle both conventional medicines and
complementary therapies. Integrative
Medicine is a fascinating field and there
are lots of General Practitioners and
Pharmacists who love this work.
What excites you about working at
Live Life Pharmacy Keppel Bay Plaza?
Our motto is “Life…..let us help you live
it!” We do that in so many different ways
in our pharmacy – from our health foods
store, to being the largest supplier of home
health care equipment on the Capricorn
Coast, to specialising in Homy Ped and
medical footwear just to name a few.
Keeping people well, living independently
and looking and feeling good is as
rewarding as helping them with their
immediate health care needs.
What’s the best thing about your job?
I think I can speak on all of the staff’s
behalf and say that it is when you truly
make a connection with a customer and
know you have made a difference to
their health care outcomes. That is so
rewarding. Also, we have a great team so
coming to work each and every day is less
of a chore when you are surrounded by
enthusiasm and optimism. Our staff have
a lot to be proud of.
48 Complete Health