At Great Lakes an idea, and a customer, is born
By Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
Updated Sun January 23, 2011
ERIE, Pa. - Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services is looking to a younger crowd to build its cash sales: newborns.
The full line provider of home medical equipment and supplies recently started offering First Quality's Cuties diapers.
“DME companies are always dealing with people who are ill, and it's really a different focus for us to look at a healthy, generative population,” said Kathy Dubowski, president.
Great Lakes already carries breast pumps and other pediatric items, but the idea to offer diapers to new moms came about with the opening of a nearby women's hospital in January.
Great Lakes will provide all new moms at the hospital—an anticipated 1,800 births per year—a sample pack of two diapers, along with a card that details pricing and ordering information. Customers who place orders online or by telephone can have the diapers shipped directly to their house. Great Lakes says its pricing for the diapers is competitive with Walmart and Sam's Club; it thinks the convenience of having the items shipped will be a big draw.
“If I were at home with my baby it would be nice to have somebody deliver to my door,” said Dubowski. “I wouldn't have to go out in the snow and haul a little one around.”
The diapers range in sizes up to 35 pounds and are sold by the case.
The provider plans to eventually test the diapers at regional hospitals near its four other locations, as well as call on pediatric offices.
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