Tool Box
Issue No. 36 - August/September 2007
Merchandising dilemmas
by Ali Uren
Unfortunately for many retailers the world of visual merchandising is seen as a bit of a mine field, with no clear direction on the way forward. So what are some of the common visual merchandising dilemmas that face retailers today?
•No clear plan or direction on where stock should be placed in store based on profit margins and best and worst sellers. A lot of the time retailers are not even capturing this information to be able to make smarter, better informed merchandising decisions.
•Not changing floor displays or merchandising regularly enough to reflect sales. Retailers need to be keeping track of what is selling and what is not and merchandise accordingly. Customers rarely go and hunt for product and will often take the easy option that is placed in front of them
•Many retailers have a tendency to have either too much product on the shelves or not enough. Whether it is shelf stock or floor displays make sure there is sufficient level to make it appear balanced to the eye.
•During sale time many retailers feel this is the perfect opportunity to fill the store with as much product as possible. Unfortunately this can leave the customer totally overwhelmed and leave without trying to find a bargain.
•Product categories are not displayed in store in a logical manner so as to make it easy for both customers and staff to locate stock easily in store.
•Poor, inconsistent signage makes it difficult for time poor customers to nav...
