Case Study - Launching a Standalone Bio-Cosmetics Brand for a Historic Italian Pharmacy

The Situation Before Our Intervention

Farmacia Agostini is a well-known Italian pharmacy with an established eCommerce presence in the pharmaceutical space. As part of their growth strategy, they wanted to explore the market potential of a separate line of bio cosmetic products—creams, cleansers, and natural beauty treatments—under a distinct brand identity.

Their primary objective was to test this new market without diluting the positioning of their core pharmaceutical business. This meant creating a dedicated eCommerce platform that would reflect the values of the bio cosmetic industry—trust, purity, and wellness—while operating independently of the main pharmacy brand.

Solving the Problems

We approached the project with a clear dual goal: build a store that could stand on its own while still benefiting subtly from the credibility of the parent brand. Here’s what we did:

1. Dedicated Shopify Store Build

   We created a standalone Shopify store exclusively for Farmacia Agostini’s bio cosmetic line. This allowed us to present the product range with a fresh identity, unencumbered by the pharmaceutical context.

2. Niche-Focused Design and Branding

   We developed a clean, minimal design with natural tones and textures that align with customer expectations in the organic beauty space. The aesthetic was built to evoke trust, calm, and health-conscious values, reinforcing the credibility of the products.

3. User-Centered Navigation and UX

   To support conversion, we implemented:

   • An intuitive category structure based on skin needs and product types

   • A lightweight, fast search experience to help users find exactly what they need

   • Clear, educational product pages with detailed descriptions and usage guidance

4. Trust-Building Features

   We incorporated key UX elements to boost user confidence:

   • Product reviews and testimonials

   • Transparency around ingredients and production methods

   • Emphasis on “Made in Italy” craftsmanship and sustainable values

5. Mobile Optimization

   We ensured that the entire store is fully responsive and performance-optimized for mobile devices, making the experience seamless across all platforms.

6. Subtle Integration with Parent Brand

   While the site operates independently, we created soft links back to the main Farmacia Agostini site—reinforcing trust without blurring the identity of the new venture.

Outcome

Our strategy gave Farmacia Agostini the tools to successfully test and scale a new product line:

• Successful Market Entry

  The brand made a smooth and professional entrance into the bio cosmetics niche, standing apart from generic competitors.

• Strong Brand Differentiation

  The bio cosmetics line is now seen as its own curated offering, distinct from the pharmacy's traditional product catalog.

• New Revenue Stream

  Sales from the new store validated the product-market fit, creating a sustainable, profitable eCommerce channel.

• Actionable Market Insights

  By separating this line into its own Shopify instance, the client was able to track user behavior, conversion rates, and interest independently—making future business decisions more data-driven.

• Elevated Brand Perception

  The initiative strengthened Farmacia Agostini’s positioning not just as a pharmacy, but as a provider of holistic, natural wellness solutions.

The Key Takeaway

When testing new markets, it’s essential to separate the signal from the noise.

By launching a focused, purpose-built platform, we helped Farmacia Agostini validate demand for their bio cosmetics line without compromising their core business.

The result? A clear brand voice, measurable results, and a new path to growth.

This project is a great example of how the right eCommerce setup can de-risk innovation and accelerate opportunity—all while staying true to the brand.

Results: Successful entry into a new niche, measurable performance metrics, and a new standalone revenue stream.

Services provided