Small stores often face the fact that owners become so accustomed to standard product layouts that they lose their fresh perspective on improving the arrangement of goods. In such cases, an invited specialist providing merchandising services can help, but there are also several ways to optimize the space yourself:
Watching video footage (if the store has cameras): This can help you understand where shoppers linger and what areas of the store they ignore. If there are no cameras, it can be helpful to observe customers from a vantage point to understand their preferences.
Attracting "new" customers : you can ask a friend who has never visited the store to find several products on the list. This will allow you to evaluate the convenience and logicality of the product layout through the eyes of a newcomer.
Studying merchandising principles : Implementing kuwait whatsapp numbers common standards for display and service helps to identify which aspects are already being implemented effectively, as well as identify gaps that need to be addressed to improve the quality of service provided and increase sales.
Examples of merchandising for different retail outlets
Examples of merchandising can vary significantly depending on the format of the retail outlet and its specifics.
Pharmacy
Competent window dressing can significantly increase sales in a pharmacy. The basis for merchandising pharmaceutical products is the general principles adapted to the specifics of the product and the needs of visitors.
Simple display of medicines is the basis. Products are divided into categories with simple and clear names, which simplifies the choice and allows customers to get acquainted with the assortment.
It is important to avoid highly specialized terms: instead of “anthelmintic drugs” or “sorbents”, use generally known names, for example, “anti-cold” or “painkillers”.
It is also effective to place inexpensive analogues next to popular drugs and add new products next to sales leaders.
Extensive display of certain products can create the impression of increased demand, which further motivates buyers.
Clothing store
When merchandising clothing and footwear, there are several basic techniques:
Wide range of products : Half-empty shelves create a feeling of limited choice for visitors, so it is important to keep the display cases saturated with interesting products.
Logic of arrangement : goods are arranged so that they correspond to the direction of visitors' movement. More expensive items are placed at the beginning of the path, and budget options are closer to the exit. Also, do not forget to organize additional points of sale for accessories.
Attractive presentation : creative layout, three-dimensional compositions and the use of contrasts help improve perception. Mannequins and separate areas designed in the style of the store are effective.
Grocery store
In grocery stores, product merchandising is focused on the compatibility of different categories. For example, it is appropriate to add sweets to coffee or tea.
Grocery store
Source: shutterstock.com
In this case, profitable and popular products are usually placed in the entrance and central zones, and products with rare demand are placed on the inner shelves.
The checkout area is ideal for impulse purchases, so small items can be placed here: gum, candies, drinks, small bags. Lighting plays an important role in the sales area, especially in the refrigerated areas, attracting attention and improving the perception of products, but it should not be too bright.
Read also!
"9 Types of Customer Loyalty Programs"
Read more
Merchandising Mistakes
When it comes to sales, it is impossible to ignore the most common mistakes made when placing products on shelves.
Wrong choice of background music : Choosing the right background music can be quite difficult, as even similar groups of customers may prefer completely different genres. A simple way to solve this problem is to use neutral instrumental covers of famous hits.
Lack of clear marking of the central entrance : People tend to follow visual cues, they like it when everything is simple and clear. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the central entrance is clearly marked with signs or markers.
Lack of necessary information on products : each product should have price tags. Most customers will not seek out an employee to clarify the price if it is not visible and will simply leave the store. Ideally, the information on the sign should also include a description of the product, its composition, or size.
Poor or insufficient lighting : Light is essential to create a comfortable atmosphere in the sales area. Not only brightness is important, but also the use of different types of lamps to ensure uniform lighting of all areas.
Incorrect placement of products on shelves : Products should not be placed on the upper or lower shelves, as many customers will not want to waste time getting products from inconvenient places.
Cramped shopping area : Minimarkets have become popular in recent years, but shoppers often don't like to shop in a confined space. This can be especially unpleasant for people prone to claustrophobia.
Limited visibility on the sales floor : Many stores use various decorative or functional structures such as stands and islands. When these elements are too large or too tall, they can block the visibility of the entire sales floor, making it difficult to navigate and perceive the store as a whole.
Poor window dressing : window dressing is a key element in attracting customers. An interesting and informative window dressing can immediately attract the customer, while a poorly decorated window dressing can scare them away and discourage them from entering the store.
Uncomfortable atmosphere : Inappropriate interior design can be a serious problem for small stores. Large retail chains usually have it all figured out, but sometimes they have cases where the interior does not meet customer expectations.
Download a useful document on the topic:
Checklist: How to Achieve Your Goals in Negotiations with Clients