Medicap Pharmacy is a well-established retail pharmacy franchise that was founded in 1971 in Des Moines, Iowa. The brand began franchising in 1974, quickly expanding across the state.

By 1981, it operated 28 pharmacies in Iowa alone and expanded regionally by 1984. Today, Medicap Pharmacy operates under the ownership of Medicine Shoppe International, a subsidiary of Cardinal Health. Its headquarters are located in West Des Moines, Iowa, with corporate offices in Dublin, Ohio.

The franchise offers a wide range of healthcare products and services, including prescription medications, over-the-counter items, health supplies, and private-label products. In addition to retail services, Medicap Pharmacy locations provide immunizations, point-of-care testing, and private consultations to deliver more personalized care.

Medicap Pharmacy sets itself apart from large chain competitors by emphasizing a community-focused approach.The model includes flat monthly fees, business coaching, digital marketing resources, and flexible branding options that allow owners to co-brand with Medicine Shoppe or maintain an independent identity.

Training

Medicap Pharmacy franchise offers a comprehensive training and assistance program to its its franchisees:

1. Mandatory Policies and Procedures Training
   Franchisees are required to conform to all mandatory policies and procedures established by Medicap Pharmacy. These are initially provided in a manual and may be supplemented through various means such as bulletins or internet updates. The franchisor retains the right to ensure compliance and mandates correction of any nonconformance within thirty days after written notice.
2. Pre-Opening Assistance
   The franchisor explicitly states that it is not obligated to provide any pre-opening assistance. Franchisees are responsible for launching their operations without such support.
3. Marketing Assistance
   Medicap Pharmacy will provide access to advertising templates and a basic business website with limited customization options. This assistance is offered periodically based on what the company deems appropriate.

Territory Protection

Medicap Pharmacy does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. According to the franchise agreement, franchisees are granted the right to operate a retail pharmacy at one location, but this does not come with exclusivity or protection from competition.

The franchisor explicitly reserves the right to operate or license other locations that may directly compete with the franchisee’s business. This means that even if a franchisee establishes a presence in a specific area, Medicap Pharmacy retains the discretion to authorize new franchises or company-owned stores in the same geographic region.

Furthermore, the franchisee does not receive options or preferential rights to acquire additional locations. As a result, franchisees should be prepared to potentially face competition from other Medicap Pharmacy outlets nearby.