Winter is one of the most important trading periods for UK community pharmacies. Demand rises for cold & flu remedies, vitamins, skincare and everyday health essentials, but so does competition.
While footfall remains important, more patients now expect to discover and order pharmacy products online. Pharmacies that adapt early are seeing stronger OTC sales and better visibility in their local area.
Here are five practical ways UK pharmacies can increase OTC sales this winter, both in-store and online.
1. Focus on high-demand winter categories
Winter OTC demand is predictable and that’s an advantage.
Pharmacies that proactively stock and promote seasonal essentials typically see higher basket values and faster turnover. Key winter categories include:
- Cough, cold & flu treatments
- Vitamins & supplements (especially vitamin D, C and zinc)
- Skincare for eczema, dry skin and dermatitis
- Pain relief & fever management
- Family health essentials
Tip:
Group these products clearly in-store and online as “Winter Essentials” or “Cold & Flu Season Picks”. Clear categorisation helps customers make quicker decisions and increases basket size.
2. Improve product visibility beyond the pharmacy counter
OTC sales depend on how visible your products are.
Increasingly, patients discover pharmacy products through:
- Search engines
- Delivery apps
- Online marketplaces they already use daily
For many UK pharmacies, joining delivery platforms like Just Eat (and Uber Eats) has become a way to increase local visibility without building or maintaining their own e-commerce site.
This is where LUDA Partners comes in.
LUDA provides the technology that allows community pharmacies to sell their OTC products on delivery apps, without paying fees to the apps themselves and without adding operational complexity. Pharmacies only pay a small commission (10% + VAT) directly to LUDA when they sell.
3. Make digital ordering simple (Without adding work)
One of the biggest concerns pharmacies have about selling online is workload.
The reality is that modern pharmacy tech should reduce effort, not increase it.
With LUDA:
- Product catalogues are managed and optimised
- Orders flow directly into the pharmacy
- The pharmacy’s only task is to prepare the bag when an order arrives
This allows pharmacies to benefit from digital sales without disrupting day-to-day operations, a crucial factor during busy winter months.
4. Use promotions strategically to drive OTC sales
Short-term promotions can significantly boost OTC sales when used correctly.
On delivery apps, promotions don’t just encourage purchases, they also improve ranking and visibility within the app, meaning pharmacies appear higher to nearby customers.
Winter is an ideal time to promote:
- Cold & flu bundles
- Family health essentials
- Vitamins and immune support products
LUDA helps pharmacies run promotions in line with platform rules while ensuring margins remain protected.
5. Prepare your pharmacy for the future of OTC sales
Consumer behaviour is shifting fast.
Patients increasingly expect:
- Convenience
- Fast 30 minute delivery
- Local delivery options
- Trusted healthcare providers online
Pharmacies that prepare now by digitising catalogues, improving stock accuracy and expanding their online presence are better positioned for long-term growth.
Across the UK, pharmacies working with LUDA are already seeing:
- Strong month-on-month growth in digital sales
- Increased local visibility
- New customers discovering their pharmacy for the first time
How LUDA helps UK pharmacies sell OTC products online
LUDA Partners is not a delivery app. It is the technology partner that connects community pharmacies to platforms like Just Eat and Uber Eats so that they can start selling their products online.
Pharmacies:
- Don’t need to manage multiple platforms
- Don’t need to build their own e-commerce site
Everything runs through one setup, designed specifically for pharmacies.
Ready to increase your OTC sales this winter?
Whether you’re an independent pharmacy or a multi-branch group, LUDA helps UK pharmacies grow OTC sales by meeting customers where they already are: online.
👉 Get in touch with LUDA to see how your pharmacy can start selling on delivery apps this winter