This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a drugstore.
Opening a drugstore requires careful planning of your space allocation to meet regulatory requirements and optimize customer flow.
Understanding the exact square meter requirements for different areas of your drugstore will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure compliance with local pharmacy regulations. Most successful drugstore owners plan their layout based on industry benchmarks that balance customer accessibility with operational efficiency.
If you want to dig deeper and learn more, you can download our business plan for a drugstore. Also, before launching, get all the profit, revenue, and cost breakdowns you need for complete clarity with our drugstore financial forecast.
Starting a drugstore requires precise space planning with minimum regulatory requirements typically starting at 15-20 square meters for dispensary areas and total retail spaces ranging from 36-60 square meters depending on location.
The optimal drugstore layout balances prescription services (20-30% of space), retail sales areas (60-70%), and support functions while maintaining accessibility standards and operational efficiency.
| Space Category | Required Area (m²) | Percentage of Total | Key Requirements |
| Prescription Dispensing | 18-30 m² | 20-30% | Secure storage, consultation area, controlled access |
| Retail Sales Floor | 90-180 m² | 60-70% | Product displays, customer flow, accessibility compliance |
| Storage Area | 10-15 m² | 8-12% | Temperature control, inventory management, security |
| Checkout Area | 5-15 m² | 3-8% | POS systems, customer queuing, payment processing |
| Staff Areas | 10-20 m² | 5-10% | Office space, employee facilities, break room |
| Refrigeration/Special Storage | 1-3 m² | 1-3% | Temperature monitoring, controlled substances, vaccines |
| Total Optimal Range | 150-300 m² (urban) 40-100 m² (suburban) |
100% | Location-dependent optimization for profitability |
What is the minimum floor space required by local regulations for operating a drugstore?
Most regulatory authorities require a minimum of 15 square meters total floor space for a basic drugstore, with dispensary areas specifically needing at least 18-20 square meters.
However, these minimums vary significantly by jurisdiction and many countries set higher standards. For instance, some regions mandate total retail spaces ranging from 36 up to 60 square meters depending on local legislation and the scope of services offered. The dispensary area alone, where prescription medications are stored and dispensed, typically requires a dedicated space that meets specific security and accessibility requirements.
These regulations exist to ensure adequate space for safe medication storage, proper customer service, and compliance with pharmaceutical handling protocols. The minimum space must accommodate essential equipment like prescription storage systems, consultation areas, and security measures for controlled substances. Additionally, local fire safety codes and accessibility regulations may impose further space requirements that exceed the basic pharmaceutical minimums.
It's crucial to verify specific local regulations before finalizing your drugstore layout, as non-compliance can result in licensing delays or operational restrictions.
What is the average square meter allocation per customer visit expected in this market?
Successful drugstores allocate 2-4 square meters per customer visit on the sales floor to maintain optimal flow and prevent congestion.
This allocation ensures customers can navigate comfortably through the store without creating bottlenecks, especially during peak hours when multiple customers may be waiting for prescriptions or browsing OTC products. The recommended aisle widths range from 1.2 to 1.5 meters, which supports this per-customer allocation while meeting accessibility requirements.
Drugstores with higher customer volumes or those located in busy commercial areas should lean toward the upper end of this range (3-4 square meters per customer) to maintain service quality. Conversely, smaller neighborhood drugstores with more predictable traffic patterns can operate efficiently with the lower allocation (2-3 square meters per customer).
This metric directly impacts your total sales floor planning and helps determine whether your proposed location can handle expected customer traffic without compromising the shopping experience.
How many product categories must be accommodated, and what space does each typically require?
A modern drugstore typically accommodates 10-15 major product categories, with each requiring 5-30 square meters of display space depending on inventory diversity and customer demand.
| Product Category | Space Required (m²) | Display Requirements & Considerations |
| Prescription Drugs | 15-25 m² | Secure storage, controlled access, consultation area, refrigeration for specialty medications |
| OTC Medicines | 20-30 m² | High-visibility placement, clear categorization, easy customer access, theft prevention |
| Health Supplements | 15-25 m² | Product information displays, temperature control, expiration date management |
| Skincare & Beauty | 10-20 m² | Attractive merchandising, testing areas, seasonal product rotation |
| Personal Care | 15-20 m² | Bulk storage capability, family-friendly organization, price comparison ease |
| Medical Devices | 5-15 m² | Secure display, demonstration space, warranty information, consultation area |
| Baby/Family Care | 10-15 m² | Child-safe displays, bulk item storage, specialized lighting for product visibility |
| Food & Beverage | 8-12 m² | Refrigeration units, expiration monitoring, health food section organization |
OTC medicines and health/wellness products often require the largest allocation (20-30 square meters) due to their diversity and high customer demand. These categories need optimal accessibility and clear organization to help customers find products quickly.
You'll find detailed market insights on product category optimization in our drugstore business plan, updated every quarter.
What percentage of the store should be dedicated to prescription dispensing versus over-the-counter sales?
Industry best practice allocates 20-30% of total drugstore space to prescription dispensing operations and 60-70% to retail/OTC sales, with the remaining 10-20% for support functions.
The prescription area requires this substantial allocation because it must accommodate secure storage systems, consultation spaces, and specialized equipment while maintaining regulatory compliance. This includes areas for controlled substance storage, refrigeration units for temperature-sensitive medications, and private consultation spaces for patient counseling.
The retail/OTC section receives the largest allocation because it generates higher margins and serves walk-in customers who don't require prescription services. This area must be designed for easy browsing, impulse purchases, and efficient customer flow. The layout should encourage customers to explore different product categories while maintaining clear sight lines to the prescription counter.
Drugstores in high-prescription volume areas may adjust this ratio to allocate up to 35% for dispensing operations, while those in retail-focused locations might dedicate up to 75% to OTC sales.
What storage area size is required for pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and inventory turnover?
Pharmaceutical storage requires a minimum of 10-15 square meters, with additional capacity needed based on inventory turnover rates and specialty product requirements.
The base storage area must accommodate regular inventory rotation, temperature-controlled sections for vaccines and biologics, and secure areas for controlled substances. High-turnover drugstores or those carrying extensive inventory may need up to 25 square meters of dedicated storage space. The storage design must include proper shelving systems, climate control, and security features that meet pharmaceutical regulations.
Specialty storage requirements include refrigeration units (2-4°C for vaccines), controlled room temperature areas (20-25°C), and humidity-controlled sections for moisture-sensitive products. Each of these specialized storage types requires additional space and infrastructure investment beyond the basic storage allocation.
Inventory turnover frequency directly impacts storage needs - drugstores with daily deliveries can operate with smaller storage areas, while those receiving weekly shipments need larger capacity. The storage area should also include space for receiving deliveries, quality control checks, and temporary quarantine of recalled products.
What is the recommended square meter allocation for checkout counters and customer service?
Each checkout counter requires 5-10 square meters including customer queuing space and POS system installation.
A single checkout station needs approximately 3-4 square meters for the counter itself, cash register, credit card terminals, and pharmacy consultation computer. The additional space accounts for customer queuing areas, shopping basket storage, and staff movement around the counter. High-traffic drugstores typically require multiple checkout stations, scaling the total checkout area proportionally.
Customer service areas, including prescription pickup windows and consultation spaces, require an additional 8-15 square meters depending on privacy requirements and local regulations. These areas must accommodate wheelchairs, provide adequate privacy for health consultations, and maintain clear sight lines for security purposes.
The checkout area should be positioned to maximize visibility of the entire sales floor while providing easy access to both prescription and retail customers. Consider separate express lanes for prescription pickups versus retail purchases to optimize customer flow during peak hours.
This is one of the strategies explained in our drugstore business plan.
How much space should be allocated to staff areas, offices, and employee facilities?
Staff facilities require 10-20 square meters total in a standard drugstore, including office space, break areas, and storage for employee belongings.
The pharmacist's office typically needs 4-6 square meters for computer workstation, patient records storage, and consultation materials. Employee break areas require 3-5 square meters with basic amenities like seating, refrigeration, and lockable storage. Additional space may be needed for employee changing areas if uniforms are required, and secure storage for personal belongings during shifts.
Larger drugstores with multiple pharmacists or extended hours may require up to 25 square meters for staff facilities. These facilities must comply with labor regulations regarding employee amenities and may need separate entrances for staff security. The office space should be positioned to maintain supervision of pharmacy operations while providing privacy for administrative tasks.
Staff areas should include adequate ventilation, lighting, and emergency exits as required by local workplace safety regulations. Consider noise control measures if the break area is adjacent to customer service areas.
What are the current industry benchmarks for total sales floor area per square meter?
Urban drugstores typically operate with sales floor areas ranging from 150-260 square meters, while smaller suburban locations operate efficiently with 40-70 square meters.
The sales floor area directly correlates with revenue potential and operational efficiency. Urban locations require larger sales floors to accommodate higher customer volumes, diverse product offerings, and extended service hours. These drugstores often generate higher revenue per square meter due to premium locations and increased foot traffic, justifying the larger space investment.
Suburban and neighborhood drugstores can maintain profitability with smaller footprints by focusing on essential products, prescription services, and personalized customer service. These locations typically have lower rent costs, allowing for viable operations with reduced sales floor area while maintaining competitive pricing.
Industry benchmarks show that optimal profitability occurs when sales floors are neither oversized (leading to higher rent and utility costs) nor undersized (limiting product variety and customer comfort). The key is matching your sales floor size to your target market's needs and your location's customer traffic patterns.
What proportion of space should be reserved for seasonal or promotional displays?
Approximately 5-10% of total floor space should be dedicated to seasonal and promotional displays to optimize impulse sales without disrupting regular customer flow.
Seasonal displays require flexible space that can accommodate different product types throughout the year - from cold and flu remedies in winter to sunscreen and allergy medications in summer. This space should be positioned in high-traffic areas near the entrance or checkout counters to maximize visibility and impulse purchase opportunities.
Promotional displays need easy reconfiguration capability to support manufacturer promotions, clearance sales, and health awareness campaigns. The allocated space should include adequate storage for display materials and rotating inventory. Consider modular display systems that can be quickly adjusted for different campaign sizes and product types.
The proportion may increase to 12-15% during major health seasons (flu season, back-to-school) or decrease to 3-5% in smaller drugstores with limited space. The key is maintaining flexibility while ensuring promotional displays enhance rather than obstruct normal shopping patterns.
What accessibility requirements must be considered in the layout, such as aisles and entrances?
Regulations require unobstructed aisles with minimum widths of 90 cm, though 120-150 cm is recommended for optimal accessibility and customer comfort.
- Main aisles must accommodate wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and customers with walking aids while allowing two-way traffic
- Entrance doors should be at least 80 cm wide with automatic opening mechanisms or easy-to-operate manual handles
- Checkout counters must include at least one accessible station with lowered height (76 cm maximum) and adequate knee space
- Product displays should not extend into required aisle widths, maintaining clear paths throughout the store
- Emergency exits must remain clearly marked and unobstructed, with appropriate lighting and signage
- Prescription consultation areas require space for wheelchair maneuvering (150 cm diameter minimum)
- Floor surfaces must be slip-resistant and level, with smooth transitions between different flooring materials
ADA compliance extends beyond basic measurements to include visual accessibility (contrasting colors, clear signage), auditory accessibility (hearing loop systems where required), and cognitive accessibility (clear navigation, simple layout). These requirements are not optional - non-compliance can result in legal penalties and licensing issues.
We cover this exact topic in the drugstore business plan.
What is the required space for refrigeration units, controlled drugs, and special storage conditions?
Dedicated refrigeration and controlled substance storage typically requires 1-3 square meters each, with placement determined by security, accessibility, and monitoring requirements.
Refrigeration units for vaccines and temperature-sensitive medications need 1-2 square meters including clearance space for air circulation and maintenance access. These units require consistent power supply, temperature monitoring systems, and backup power consideration. The location should allow easy access for inventory management while maintaining security protocols.
Controlled substance storage requires secure, lockable cabinets or rooms with limited access and comprehensive logging systems. DEA regulations specify exact security requirements including alarm systems, restricted access, and surveillance capabilities. This storage must be within the prescription dispensing area but separate from general pharmaceutical inventory.
Special storage conditions may include humidity-controlled areas for moisture-sensitive products, light-protected storage for photosensitive medications, and hazardous waste storage for expired or recalled products. Each special storage type requires specific environmental controls and may need additional space allocation beyond the basic 1-3 square meter minimum.
What square meter range is considered optimal for profitability in urban versus suburban locations?
Urban drugstores achieve optimal profitability in 150-300 square meters, while suburban locations can operate successfully in 40-100 square meters with proper layout optimization.
Urban locations benefit from higher customer density, extended operating hours, and diverse revenue streams including prescription services, retail sales, and specialty health products. The larger space allows for comprehensive product offerings, multiple service areas, and the flexibility to adapt to changing market demands. Higher rent costs in urban areas are typically offset by increased revenue per square meter and premium pricing opportunities.
Suburban drugstores focus on efficiency and community-based services, requiring smaller footprints while maintaining profitability through lower operational costs and personalized customer relationships. These locations excel with focused product selections, prescription specialization, and strong relationships with local healthcare providers. The reduced space requirements allow for lower startup costs and more manageable ongoing expenses.
Location-specific factors such as competition density, parking availability, and demographic characteristics influence the optimal size within these ranges. Urban drugstores near medical complexes may require larger spaces (250-300 square meters) while suburban locations in residential areas may thrive with smaller formats (40-70 square meters).
Conclusion
Planning your drugstore's square meter requirements requires balancing regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and profitability optimization across multiple functional areas.
Successful drugstore owners understand that space allocation directly impacts customer experience, regulatory compliance, and financial performance, making careful planning essential for long-term success in this competitive market.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
Understanding proper space allocation is crucial for drugstore success, but it's just one piece of the puzzle.
Your drugstore's profitability depends on many interconnected factors including location selection, inventory management, and operational efficiency that work together to create a sustainable business model.
It's a key part of what we outline in the drugstore business plan.
Sources
- Business Coach Phil - Putting Up a Drugstore in the Philippines
- PMRA Malawi - Minimum Non-Prescription Wholesale Pharmacy Requirements
- RxistSource - Requirements to Set Up Drugstore
- PMDA Japan - Pharmacy Requirements
- PC Ghana - New Guidelines and Application Forms Pharmacy
- Dojo Business - Drugstore Space Requirements
- MSF Medical Guidelines - Organization and Management of a Pharmacy
- LinkedIn - How to Have Highly Profitable Pharmacy
- Pitcher Pharmacy - Serving Kings Court
- AB Pharmacy Canada - Floor Plan Requirements Guide
