Do and Don't: Housekeeping is MAJOR

I understand how store can be busy and when delivery comes in, it adds to the chaos. However, is it acceptable at any one point to line boxes along an aisle, thereby blocking access to merchandise? Isn't that lost sales?

DO: Clean clear aisles are inviting and does not deter customers from coming in despite the line up at the cash desk.

DON'T: No room to store just delivered inventory? Maybe stacking them up closer to the back will minimize hindrances and allow more access to products being sold. Besides, these are trip hazards and the last thing retailers need is a lawsuit.

Do and Don't: Replenishment IS critical

DO: Full product intensity on the shelves convey messages of abundance and good business. To top it off, the chip salsas merchandised near eye level silently multiple sells.

DON'T: Uhh... would you really buy one of these chips? How old are they? Not only do they look uninviting, it also looks like the store doesn't have much to sell and business is in trouble. I realize when product turnover is high, replenishment becomes an issue. However I think this is going too far.

Do and Don't: Are we out of stock?

DO: Product intensity at a prestige shop is less, to correctly convey high price point, high value and its exclusivity. DON'T: A popularly priced gift shop should intensify its merchandise display to maintain a consistent message of its price point and target market. The photo below shows the store to be sadly lacking in inventory.

Do and Don't: Adjacent Merchandise

Someone must have taken note of the DON'T photo below.
I have often used this photo in my seminars. While this 'don't' photo was taken maybe four years ago, last month I visited the store and saw that they moved the exercise tape unit to be adjacent to fitness equipment. HALLELUJAH!

DO: Exercise tapes with fitness equipment. DON'T: Exercise tapes and watch straps?!

Do and Don't: Housekeeping- Inventory Replenishment

DO: This is a wonderful display. One that is not only fully merchandised but invites customers to buy in multiples- a top, a jacket and pants. DON'T: Don't leave a selling opportunity unutilized at any moment. What a waste of prime real estate!