Over 20 Happy Years With The Happy Chemist

Clive’s Chemist is recognised in the sector as being one of the most progressive pharmacies across New Zealand.

Synthesis is proud to have supported Clive along this journey, currently providing a range of monthly marketing and communications services underpinned by a well defined marketing strategy.

It was over 20 years ago that Clive first got in touch with us, leaving this message on our website: “I would like to talk to someone about the services you provide to help market our successful business. We are facing a number of challenges and want to ensure we are on track to continue our growth.” Since this time we have been there to help Clive successfully navigate the ongoing challenges in this sector, faced by independent pharmacists.

Over these years the pharmacy has enjoyed significant growth, with ongoing upgrades to the store and an expanding team, with an absolute focus on the local community.

This long-term relationship has allowed us to support the continued growth and visibility of The Happy Chemist brand.

The Challenge

Clive had built a strong and trusted pharmacy, but needed consistent marketing to support continued growth and ensure customers clearly recognised The Happy Chemist brand.

As the business evolved and introduced new services, it was important that customers understood what was available and continued to engage with the pharmacy.

What we Did

We worked closely with Clive to develop and implement marketing that supported his business over the long term.

This included:

• Developing marketing strategies aligned with business goals
• Supporting the development and consistency of The Happy Chemist brand
• Designing and producing marketing material
• Developing and maintaining the website
• Supporting new service launches through marketing and promotion

As the business evolved and introduced new services, it was important that customers understood what was available and continued to engage with the pharmacy.

Marketing Services Provided

• Marketing strategy

• Brand development

• Website development

• Marketing collateral

• Digital marketing support

1. Marketing Strategy

In 2004 Clive was growing his business and had big ambitions. The first thing to be put in place was a marketing plan and strategy.

The purpose was to confirm the priorities for his business, services and products over the medium to long term, and outline the focus for future marketing activity.

Every year Clive reviews his plan and even today, he still uses his marketing plan.

In 2024 we created a new marketing and engagement strategy to meet the challenges of the sector, the evolving competitor landscape and new goals of the business.

The company has a proud history and proven track record of making a positive difference in the community with the ultimate goal of making Wainuiomata the healthiest and happiest town in New Zealand. Through these years this has remained the cornerstone of his marketing plan.

2. Rebrand

Developing an independent brand

In those early days, we supported Clive’s transition from operating as part of the Unichem franchise, to operating as his own independent pharmacy.

Even as part of the Unichem chain, Clive was known locally as ‘The Happy Chemist’. What started off as the name of his newsletter became a brand inherent in all of Clive’s marketing activity. It was important the new brand maintained this message and the vibrant, upbeat nature of Clive and his team, whilst remembering that ultimately the company provides health products and advice to the Wainuiomata community.

Back then, Synthesis did not yet have designers on board, so we coached Clive through the brand development process. Once the brand brief was agreed, we formed part of the project team with Clive and his chosen graphic designer to develop a fresh brand. Known locally as “The Happy Chemist,” we used this theme as our inspiration, creating the fun and upbeat logo he still uses today.

3.  Monthly Marketing Management

We remain the outsourced marketing agency for Clive’s Chemist, who appreciate having a team to rely on to fill in gaps and provide specialist support to help manage their ongoing digital and print marketing needs.

We have continued to support Clive and his team in many ways, including:

• Promotion planning and implementation
• Website development and updates
• Social media strategy
• Happy Chemist newsletters
• Market research and customer surveys
• Media and PR
• Christmas marketing campaigns
• Blog writing
• Database marketing
• Marketing coaching
• Yearly content calendars/marketing content planning
• Video production

The result

Our ongoing work has helped The Happy Chemist maintain a strong and recognisable presence in Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.

As a result:

• The business has maintained a consistent and trusted brand

• Customers clearly recognise The Happy Chemist identity

• Marketing has supported continued business growth

• The pharmacy has been able to successfully introduce new services

This has provided a strong foundation for continued success.

Why Choose Synthesis Marketing?

We are here to help at whatever stage of your journey your business is on. Our highly skilled team covers the full breadth of your business needs from helping you with your marketing strategy, to finding the best ways to reach your audience (whether traditional or digital, or both), website development and updates, print and digital marketing and design … we do it all. Get in touch with us today. We’d love to help you reach your goals.