10 Key steps to successfully design and fit out your pharmacy

Your pharmacy is much more than a point of sale. It is a place of care, advice and wellbeing, one that should reflect your identity and highlight your expertise.

At PLUO, we have long understood that pharmacy design is a true strategic project. It goes far beyond aesthetics.

Based on our hands-on experience in the field, we share with you 10 essential steps, illustrated by real PLUO projects, to create a pharmacy layout that truly works.

1. Strategic space optimisation: rethinking the patient journey

A well-designed pharmacy starts with making every square metre work as a strategic tool. The goal is simple: create intuitive circulation that improves the patient experience while supporting your business.

Traditionally, many pharmacies devote nearly 70% of their surface to technical areas (storage, preparation, offices) and only 30% to the patient area.
Through thoughtful spatial planning, we reverse this balance — giving the space back to patients: more room, more comfort and a smoother purchasing journey, leading to better service and increased sales.

Two concrete examples: Van Haeverbeeck Pharmacy and Aiseau Pharmacy.
Despite a limited surface of only 70 m² and complex layouts, we redesigned both spaces to expand the patient area, improve circulation and strengthen product visibility. The result: clearer merchandising, more natural movement, and a significant increase in average basket value.

2. Humanising spaces and services: creating real connection

Your pharmacy should feel designed, warm and welcoming, a place where each patient feels recognised and well supported.
At PLUO, we are convinced that humanising both spaces and services is essential to enriching the experience and building long-term loyalty.

This is exactly what we achieved at Henry Pharmacy. A friendly product testing bar allows customers to explore products freely while receiving personalised advice.
Wooden screens add a natural, warm touch, reinforcing the calm and inviting atmosphere of the space.

The same spirit guided the project at Tilman Pharmacy, where three dedicated zones structure the customer journey: an animation area for testing and make-up,
a consultation space for personal exchanges, and a nature zone designed for discovery and relaxation. Everything flows within a bright, open and comfortable environment.

Other elements also support this human approach: a children’s area for young visitors, a waiting space for elderly patients, and a private consultation zone that allows sensitive conversations to take place discreetly.

3. Integrating interactive digital screens and information kiosks

In today’s digital environment, interactive screens and connected kiosks have become essential tools. They provide appreciated autonomy for patients while energising the sales area.

At Servais Pharmacy in Mont-Saint-Pont, we integrated dynamic digital displays combined with a back-lit ceiling (lightbox) above the OTC products. This installation naturally draws attention while delivering clear and engaging information, enriching the overall customer experienc

4. Installing a storage robot: efficiency and safety first

Choosing a storage robot is a decision for long-term efficiency. It optimises stock management, reduces errors and significantly improves service speed at the counter.

At Tilman Pharmacy, we implemented advanced robotisation. This investment freed up valuable space and, above all, valuable time — allowing teams to focus more on advice and customer support.

And the good news: this solution is just as relevant for small pharmacies. At Aiseau Pharmacy, where every square metre matters, the robot proved to be a key performance lever.

5. Priority to safety and confidentiality: reassuring your patients

Safety and confidentiality are absolute priorities in a pharmacy. They not only protect sensitive products, but also guarantee the discretion required for private exchanges between pharmacists and patients.

The photos below illustrate the layout designed for Shyns Pharmacy, where a dedicated confidential area with sliding doors provides comfort, discretion and smooth patient flow.

And even in smaller spaces, solutions always exist. Aiseau Pharmacy is a perfect example of discreet and secure design, offering the same level of comfort through a perfectly integrated confidentiality zone.

6. A harmonious and functional work environment: comfort first

Comfort and wellbeing at work are essential for your team and for the quality of welcome offered to your patients.
An ergonomic, pleasant and functional environment helps your staff provide better advice, work more efficiently and experience real satisfaction on a daily basis.

This is exactly what PLUO implemented at Mollica Pharmacy in Brussels, where we carefully selected ergonomic pharmacy furniture and warm materials. Soft lighting and smart management of the limited space create a pleasant setting, improving both visual and acoustic comfort for teams and patients alike.

7. Clear definition of concept and visual identity: express your difference

Your pharmacy deserves a strong, coherent and reassuring identity. The choice of colours, materials and finishes should clearly express your positioning and your vision of pharmacy. At PLUO, every project reflects this intention in its own unique way.

Pharmastree Pharmacy stands out for its warm, feminine and natural wellbeing atmosphere. Every detail, from materials and shapes to spatial organisation, was designed to reflect this vision.

The layout of Labuissière Pharmacy, on the other hand, features an industrial, urban-chic style, combining raw materials, concrete flooring, metal and exposed brick for a strong and contemporary identity.

Feel free to explore other concepts and inspirations in our pharmacy references.

8. Effective and attractive visual merchandising: boost your sales

Effective merchandising leaves nothing to chance. It naturally guides customers through the pharmacy, highlights key products and encourages spontaneous purchasing.

At Guillaume Pharmacy, the new layout perfectly illustrates this approach by transforming a limited self-service area into a fully optimised 125 m² space. Thanks to carefully designed merchandising, the customer journey became more intuitive, products more visible, and profitability increased rapidly, alongside improved patient satisfaction.

The layout of Labuissière Pharmacy follows the same logic: spaces and furniture were designed to maximise product display while naturally guiding patient flow, all while maintaining a smooth and pleasant experience.

9. Optimised and personalised lighting: enhancing your products and spaces

Lighting plays a crucial role in showcasing your products and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Well-designed lighting can radically transform the perception of your pharmacy, improving both customer experience and everyday comfort for your team.

A beautiful example: the design project at Cortebeek Pharmacy in Edegem, where we installed a backlit luminous ceiling that immediately draws attention and highlights OTC products. This strategic lighting makes the space feel more open, modern and inviting.

At Henry Pharmacy, lighting also helps create a calm, nature-inspired atmosphere. Combined with soft tones and natural materials, it strengthens the visual identity of the space while subtly enhancing product presentation.

Another example of bringing light into a space with limited natural exposure: at Jupsin Pharmacy, we integrated a large illuminated wall feature at the heart of the pharmacy, creating a warmer and more open ambiance.

10. Visibility and accessibility: an engaging welcome for everyone

Being visible and accessible already means welcoming your patients, even before they step inside. A well-lit cross, a clear sign and an active storefront naturally attract attention and invite people in.

But visibility alone is not enough: access matters just as much. Convenient parking, smooth circulation and safe, adapted features such as ramps, automatic doors and non-slip flooring ensure comfort and security for everyone. Beyond regulatory compliance, these details strengthen the quality of welcome and build lasting trust.

At PLUO, every pharmacy project integrates this essential dimension, as demonstrated by our projects at Labuissière, Guillaume, Mollica, Tilman, and many others.

Conclusion: your design project deserves an expert partner

Designing your pharmacy is a strategic and essential step for your business. At PLUO, we place our expertise, field experience and creativity entirely at the service of your project.

Each pharmacy project is unique, designed specifically for you. Our role is to transform your ideas into a tangible experience: a welcoming and comfortable space, where patients want to return, where teams enjoy working every day, and a profitable project that supports the long-term success of your pharmacy.

Would you like to renovate your pharmacy or develop a new project? We would be delighted to support you in this exciting and tailor-made journey. Because beyond design, creating a pharmacy project with us is above all a human and collaborative adventure.

Do not hesitate to contact our teams.

FAQ – Your most common questions

Why is visual merchandising important for my pharmacy?
It encourages spontaneous purchasing, improves customer experience and increases overall profitability.

How do I choose the right lighting for my pharmacy?
Ideally, combine soft general lighting with strategic accent lighting to highlight key products.

What are the benefits of ergonomic and functional furniture?
It improves team comfort, supports efficiency and enhances the quality of customer welcome.

Why strictly comply with regulations?
To guarantee safety, accessibilityn compliance and to build lasting trust with your patients.