700 words
#marketing #merchandising #POP
June 2024 — bh

hile there is no miracle solution, one thing is certain: retail shelving merchandising, or the techniques and solutions used to organize and enhance retail shelves and fixtures, creates value and increases the profitability of stores.

With numerous solutions available, tailored to various contexts, products or buying behaviors, it is crucial to understand which solutions are effective and how to use them to attract attention and develop more sales.

Before you move on

We specialise in the creation, design and manufacture of point-of-sale display materials, specific retail furniture and merchandising solutions, all 100% custom-made to the in-store projects of retail and brand. At Team Pilotes, we prioritise environmental sustainability by analysing the life cycle of each project to minimise its impacts 🌍🌿

What is shelf enhancement?

Shelf enhancement is the group of techniques that improve the effectiveness of store shelving. It creates impactful, attractive product presentations, helping shoppers easily understand the products on offer. Well-organized, informative presentations reduce cognitive effort and improve buying intentions, benefiting both retailers and brands.

What are the shelf enhancement solutions?

1. Price tag holder

Displaying prices is fundamental for transactions. Price tag holders (strips, rails, profiles) placed along the shelf come in various formats for all label types.

They can also transform the shelf edge into a communication tool, enhanced with printed visuals, LEDs, and other accessories.

2. Shelf tray

When a consumer evaluates an item, he or she takes it in the hand, reads the information on the packaging and then, he or she puts it back. Some are more precise than others!

Designed to give the perfect fit every time, shelf trays provide stability. Defining and preserving the allocated space for products, they are especially useful when space is at a premium. While ensuring products are always neatly displayed, they can carry branding and communication messages,

3. Shelf divider system

Shelf dividers reduce the time spent organizing shelves, ensuring appealing product presentations. Easy to install and adjust, they fit various packaging formats and can be equipped with additional accessories.

4. Auto-facing or self-levelling systems

The activity of facing, also known as levelling, recovery, straightening, mirrorring, ... is simply the act of getting a retail store ready for customers, a common multi-daily activity to increase shelf impact and make the store looks great.

Auto-facing systems automate the task of pulling products to the front of the shelf, maintaining a neat and organized appearance. These systems can be based on push mechanisms, gravity, or roller shelves, ensuring that products are always prominently displayed.

5. On-shelf communication solutions

Stoppers or barkers, plinths, posters, banners, and screens bring life to the shelf space, enhancing communication and attracting shoppers' attention.

6. On-shelf display

In most of the cases, retail uses standard shelving – steel uprights on which the shelves are attached. Custom-made POS materials can replace the standard shelving to adapt the presentations to an assortment, increase efficiency, or add services. These mini shop-in-shop or shelf-on-shelf setups offer an innovative or more dynamic display aligned with the brand's identity.

Custom-made wings, sidekick displays or easy-shelves can be fixed at the fixtures, for example for cross-merchandising initiatives.

💡 Related article POP design 100% custom-made: retail shelving devices

Guidelines for shelf management materials

1. Shapes and design

Materials should enhance consumers' touch behavior, avoiding sharp corners for safety and comfort. They should improve product presentation without overshadowing the products themselves.

2. Space optimization

With increasing numbers of articles and limited shelf space, optimizing and defining shelf space is crucial. Solutions should have a minimal footprint while maximizing product visibility.

3. Shelf life

Investments in merchandising materials should be durable, easy to maintain, and adaptable to assortment changes, ensuring long-term use.

4. Eco-design

Eco-design aims to reduce environmental impact without compromising effectiveness or desirability, following industry recommendations for sustainable materials use.

5. Profitability

All merchandising initiatives should stimulate consumer purchases. Careful selection of techniques based on products and their margins is essential for enhancing product presentations.

Have the advantages of retail merchandising aroused your interest? Reach out today, we will gladly discuss the possibilities for your product or brand.