Convenience stores sit in a unique niche where they are presented with consumers and behaviors not found in any other food or beverage retail sector. The biggest challenge, yet opportunity, is that 84 percent of items purchased at convenience stores are consumed within the hour of purchase, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), Alexandria, Va.

Although consumers tend to be loyal to their preferred drug stores, 30 percent are more likely to patronize a drug store if it has a loyalty card that offers savings, thus increasing shopper loyalty, according to Diana Smith, senior research analyst of retail and apparel at Mintel.

A trip to the drug store is no longer just an opportunity to refill a prescription or restock the family first aid kit. Today’s retailers are instituting different programs to provide shoppers with a more value-added experience, experts note.

For cold and flu season, allergy season and everything in between, drug stores provide consumers with the advice and relief they need for their ailments.