Pharmacy design: space in service of efficiency

Before we speak about efficiency or performance, one clarification matters.

The primary role of a pharmacy remains care and advice for patients.

But the context is evolving. New regulations. Pressure on margins. Increased competition. Changing purchasing habits. Profitability is no longer secondary. It becomes a condition for continuity.

Caring about the economic balance of your pharmacy does not mean giving up your values. It means giving yourself the means to continue offering quality service, preserving your team’s comfort, and investing in the future.

Can investing in the layout of your pharmacy strengthen its efficiency and profitability?

At PLUO, experience shows us repeatedly that it is a direct lever for performance. Rethinking your visual identity, the layout of your pharmacy, and the patient journey impacts key indicators. Revenue per square metre. Average basket. Sales in pharmacy and para pharmacy. Waiting time. Counter productivity.

A well considered renovation transforms your pharmacy into a workspace that is both pleasant and profitable. For patients and for pharmacists.

Let us make this tangible with a few examples from Belgium!

Pharmacy visual identity: clarity builds trust

Colours, materials, signage, and lighting structure how your space is read. A coherent visual identity allows patients to immediately understand how to move and where to find each product range.

A redesign by PLUO also brings advantages on your side:

• Highlighting high value categories that reflect your identity, such as herbal care, nutrition, or seasonal products.
• A smooth circulation that naturally guides patients towards your key products.

The result. Better conversion. A higher average basket. And stronger patient satisfaction.

Example of a PLUO realisation

At Pharmacy Servais in Mont Saint Pont, the design clearly demonstrates the role of visual identity. The worlds of Nature, Beauty, Baby, and Men are structured through colour codes, focused lighting, and clear signage that guide patients naturally through the space.

Each zone highlights specific brands and ranges using floor markings, textile visuals, and interchangeable lighting effects that evolve with the seasons.

The result. An offer that is immediately understandable. Stronger product visibility. And a pharmacy people remember, because the experience feels fluid and coherent.

Pharmacy layout: organising space to improve experience

An efficient patient journey relies on a thoughtful zoning plan designed around your specific space.

At PLUO, each zone is positioned with intention to support average basket growth while ensuring smooth flow throughout your pharmacy.

We begin with a core made of hot zones, promotional and seasonal areas, integrated naturally around consultation spaces, vaccination areas, and waiting zones.

1. Hot zones
2. Consultation zones
3. Waiting areas
4. Privacy zones

The objective is clear. Facilitate movement and reduce friction points.

Example of Pharmacie Cortebeek

Pharmacy Cortebeek in Edegem presented a common Belgian challenge: two separate entrances.

Our intervention embraced this reality to create coherent hot zones and guide patients naturally across the space.

A distinctive feature. An innovative cosmetic bar designed to encourage advice and interaction.

Small space, high efficiency: every square metre matters

Many pharmacies, especially in urban areas, face limited space.

At PLUO, we see small surfaces as opportunities, not constraints. Size does not determine quality. The choices you make do.

Example of Pharmacie Vanhaeverbeek

For Pharmacy Vanhaeverbeek, PLUO designed a complete layout within just 70 square metres.

Custom furniture, carefully considered lighting, and a fluid circulation work together to optimise the patient journey.

The pharmacy now conveys a true sense of space. The offer is easier to read. And every square metre actively contributes to performance.

Ergonomics at the counter and in the back office: gaining comfort and time

Counter ergonomics directly influence productivity.

Accessible storage, adapted heights, smooth rear circulation, and functional lighting reduce unnecessary gestures and staff fatigue.

At PLUO, we seek a balanced relationship between back office and patient area. When configuration allows, we aim for a distribution close to 30 percent workspace and 70 percent patient space. It is a design objective, not a rule.

The idea is to optimise technical areas in order to free up more room for welcome and advice. Never at the expense of team comfort.

Every pharmacy remains unique. Surface area, configuration, and your priorities define the right balance. Our role is to listen, analyse, and find the most relevant equilibrium for your project.

Example of Pharmacie Duger

At Pharmacy Duger, with only 50 square metres, reorganising the back office improved circulation and released valuable square metres for the patient area. Without reducing working comfort.

Ensuring safety, accessibility, and patient confidentiality

In Belgium, safety and accessibility are now standards.

In every PLUO project, pharmacy design integrates:

• A clear and obstacle free pathway
• A well identified privacy area
• Hygienic and durable materials
• Signage that anyone can understand

These elements enhance patient satisfaction and strengthen trust.

Example of Pharmacie Tilman

At Pharmacy Tilman in Assesse, the renovation combined coherent visual identity, thoughtful layout, and daily use considerations.

Our work on flows, zone readability, and integration of confidentiality spaces improved both team comfort and patient experience, while enhancing key categories.

Digital in pharmacy: useful when integrated

Digital screens, electronic prescriptions, online appointments, robots, outdoor dispensers, click and collect.

They create impact only when integrated into the overall concept.

When properly included, digital solutions can:

• Clarify the product offer through in store communication screens
• Reduce waiting time and optimise stock management with a robot
• Organise appointments via an online agenda
• Provide integrated service during night shifts with an outdoor dispenser or collection locker

At PLUO, we see digital as a natural extension of the pharmacy journey.

Example of Pharmacie Pharmastrée

At Pharmacy Pharmastrée in Beaumont, digital solutions are embedded within a bright and organic layout.

Digital screens, an integrated robot, and carefully considered tools guide patients throughout their visit.

The result. Smoother circulation. Calmer peak management. And a marked increase in footfall and revenue after the transformation.

Designing your pharmacy in 6 steps with PLUO

We work with care. Listening closely. Paying attention to every detail. Managing all processes internally with a sustainable approach.

“Thank you to you and your teams. It is reassuring to work with people who are available, attentive, patient, and consistently present.”
M. Van Haeverbeek

Here is how we approach a pharmacy redesign:

1. In depth briefing to understand your expectations, your patient profile, and your constraints.
2. Optimisation study of the patient journey, zoning, back office, and digital integration.
3. A clear 2D layout plan presenting a functional and structured vision of your pharmacy.
4. Realistic 3D visuals and a transparent quotation.
5. Personalised design refining materials, visual identity, lighting, and furniture within your budget.
6. Full project implementation, managed by PLUO, through to the opening of your pharmacy.

If PLUO is recognised as a trusted partner for pharmacies in Belgium, it is thanks to our expertise and pragmatic approach.

Our conviction. A well designed pharmacy does not simply function. It works for you.

Feel free to contact us for more information

Does your pharmacy suffer from underused areas, congestion during peak hours, limited ergonomics or confidentiality at the counter, insufficient accessibility?

We guide you in the design, renovation, and layout of your pharmacy.

Contact us!