Pharmacy of the future: the focus is on people
Pioneers in transition
Since October 2025, we have been testing a new pharmacy concept in the Glatt shopping centre near Zurich. With this pilot, we are showing how pharmacies could be designed in the future: as places that offer a modern shopping experience and where the focus is on personal advice.
Anyone entering the newly designed Amavita pharmacy in the Glatt shopping centre will immediately notice the change: the traditional sales counter has disappeared; instead, employees advise the customers at four consultation islands. A separate room is available for discreet consultations and pharmaceutical services such as vaccinations, while express and self-checkout tills are available for quick shopping.
Developed with the customer in mind
The new pharmacy concept combines advice, room design and digital support in an innovative way. “We want to delight our customers and consistently focus on their needs,” says Daniele Madonna, Chief Pharmacies Category Management & Health Services and member of the Galenica Executive Committee.
At the same time, the concept takes into account the way society’s relationship to information has changed: around 80% of customers now use the internet to obtain information before visiting a pharmacy. In the new consultation zones, products and services can be reviewed on screens together with the specialist staff and tailored to the customer’s personal situation. “This hybrid consultation gives direction and fosters and trust,” says Daniele Madonna.
The pilot is also changing the day-to-day work of employees. They provide their customers with more personal advice and are able to apply their pharmaceutical expertise more broadly. This makes their work more challenging, but also more varied and meaningful.
Pharmacy of the future: central pillar of basic care
The pharmacy in the Glatt shopping centre is deliberately designed to be a pilot site. The insights gained will be incorporated into other locations, which are planned to follow in 2026. For us, one thing is clear: the new pharmacy concept is more than just a makeover. It is an important step towards strengthening our pharmacies as the initial point of contact for healthcare advice. We are convinced that pharmacies will play an even more important role in healthcare in the future. This is why we are making targeted investments in the training of our pharmacy teams, in new offerings and room concepts.
With “Consultation plus”, we offer low-threshold health consultations, preventive tests and vaccinations. This development is also supported politically: in spring 2025, the National Council and Council of States strengthened the competencies of pharmacies in prevention and healthcare. From 2027, certain services will be covered by compulsory health insurance.
