Date of Award

Spring 5-2022

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Business Administration

Advisor/Committee Chair

Raymond Van Ness

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the operating strategy of nearly all businesses open in 2020. Businesses were split into two groups, essential and nonessential. Nonessential business, like gyms, shopping malls, and movie theaters, had little choice in their strategy in the beginning of the pandemic. They had to close. As they reopened, they found creative ways to attract customers without amassing large crowds in their storefronts. Essential businesses, on the other hand were faced with a unique challenge. Serving the U.S. population during their most vulnerable time. Retail pharmacies took on key responsibilities, administering COVID-19 tests and vaccines, while also providing medications to a large part of the population. In this work, I examined the offerings of retail pharmacies prior to and throughout the pandemic to portray how and why they pivoted their offerings. My findings included an emphasis on company strategies to lead the direction of the pivot. The pivot starts with assessing the demands of the public and using CEO direction to find the most efficient way to fulfill the demand. In the case of COVID19 specifically, retail pharmacies prioritized aiding vulnerable groups and improving their technology both online and in stores.

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