Do and Don't: When Replenishing Means Sales or NO Sales

Retail IS in the details. I wonder how many times I've stressed the importance of the simple things that could make or break a retailer's sales for the day. Replenishment is never romantic, nor is it something everyone looks forward to doing. However, replenishing inventory is key to sales. I wonder how many retailers are losing sales because they fail to do this very thing.

DO: I can understand that during the course of a busy day, keeping a full display can be challenging. However ensuring that shelves are filled conveys a positive impression, not only of product dominance but also of a healthy business.

DON'T: Last I checked these boxed chocolates were at full price. I was expecting that they be at least 50% off they way they are presented. Lack of attention to detail is detrimental to merchandise turnover and therefore business performance. Worse, not only was it a busy Saturday, this display is located in the main traffic aisle, in a major interesction or what is also referred to as strike zone.

Do and Don't: Retail Carts Need Visual Merchandising Too!

Most retail carts sell price point goods, hence most operators do not bother with creative displays. Don't they realize that carts are selling spaces too and thus need to maximize all opportunties to sell?

DO: Handbags displayed with their faces out attract more attention than if they were displayed sideways. Besides, customers purchase handbags for their face design, not how they look on the side.
DON'T: What a mess! Unattractive, unappealing, need I say more?!

Do and Don't: When Negative Space is Good

DO: Negative space from the floor is a good thing. Keep items off the ground to keep their perceived values. No one wants to purchase clothing that's been sitting on the floor.

DON'T: Items hitting the floor sends a negative impression. Keep merchandise at least three inches off the ground. Most customers' impression of the floor is that it is unsanitary. Besides, clothing can be easily snagged when customers walk pass this section.

Do and Don't: When Height Matters

DO: The bust forms displayed atop the table is just the right height to relate to the products displayed in front of it.

DON'T: Removing the wooden stand will make this bust form display better. Not only will it fall within the lit area, the display will be easier to view as well. The way it is currently displayed highlights the stand more than the body form.

Do and Don't: IF You Have to Really Use Slatwalls

DO: Did I ever mention I like slatwalls the least? However I do understand retailers preferring them for their versatility. However I believe there are several other fixture options to attaining the same versatility without sacrificing the look. At any rate the photo above is a DO if ever slatwalls are used. Not only is it in wood veneer, it also uses metal slat inserts that reinforce the wall and at the same time lessen the impact of horizontal lines. Filling the wall with merchandise also make the repeated patterns of line less obvious.

DON'T: This wall is a no-no. The white slats make the repeated pattern of horizontal lines more pronounced and thus I feel that it catches the eye more so than the products. Here, the wall actually devalues the very products merchandised on it. What else can be improved aside from too much negative space? Pots and pans with framed pictures? What kind of an adjacency is that?