Every retail store has a flow of customers with traffic patterns and the proper placement of top-selling products can drive more sales. But this requires thoughtful organization of the warehouse, back-room and in-store shelves. Arranging your store’s shelves and properly labeling items is the best way to maximize product delivery. In order to do this you’ll need to take a step back and see the big picture.
The Planogram
It’s time to create a diagram of your store, also known as a planogram that indicates in-store product placement to maximize sales. It’s the foundation on which your store capitalizes upon customer traffic and their buying habits. You can create a complex planogram that lists the exact number of products on every shelf and corresponding SKUs. Or, you can have a simple layout with categories marked in general areas on the map. Whichever you choose, it will lead to a better understanding of your store.
Maps may seem ridiculous when you already know where something is, but that doesn’t help your employees. How else will they be able to find anything? Maps are tools that make them more efficient. And you can use software applications to make a simple or detailed schematic of your store and warehouse. Some planogram software can be expensive, so shop around and find what’s right for your budget.
For Your Customers
Business product labels are important because they show customers the price and provide a barcode for scanning to help with inventory management. Price tags can be unique, designed and printed to fit your brand. Some stores create handwritten tags to fit their motif. Convenience stores use price-tag guns to quickly mark products, making it easier for customers to see them. Just remember to use dark colors on light or white backgrounds. Almost anything works if it fits your store’s brand identity and inventory management process, so keep the barcodes on merchandise for a faster checkout experience.
Products can be grouped together into categories and types. In-store, you can hang signs in the middle of a particular section to indicate their category. This helps to quickly direct shoppers toward exactly what they need, therefore canceling any confusion or frustration upon entering the store. Grocery stores are a great example and they do this very well.
Electronic shelf labels are becoming more popular. It’s a tech savvy look and environmentally friendly. These are a great option if products are continuously changing, plus it keeps the labeling consistent.
For Your Employees
The same methods can be used for the warehouse, but they don’t have to be attractive or expensive, just visible and easy to read from afar. Place the best sellers toward the entrance, so they are easier to restock. Each aisle should have a number. There need to be category signs on the shelves. Color coding helps separate categories from each other. Then, clearly label product names and barcodes, while making sure that empty spaces are labeled for future use.
When pulling items off the shelves and restocking, visibility and clarity are the key for employees to being more productive. Write only the information that matters, such as product name and any description necessary to differentiate it from the others around it. Manufacturer and vendor names aren’t useful. Keep it simple and easy to change, because products often do.
When Do You Label Products and Shelves?
The best time to label your shelves and tag individual products is when they are received. This will prevent unlabeled stock from hitting the store. You’ll also want to make sure that all labels are forward facing, so customers can read them, or else they may be missed. Lost opportunities can be avoided by proper labeling of your products, even in the warehouse.