The Use Of Planograms In Retailing

By Adrianna Notton

In retailing, a planogram comes in handy as it can be used as a map that assists in determining the direction the products of the store. It can be defined as theme maker of a store. It is an important tool which retailers have come to learn about and utilize to assist in goods merchandising, with innumerable benefits.

Pronounced as a Plan-o-gram, this visual tool decides what product goes where. It is responsible for the way products appear in supermarkets and apparel stores as a way of maximizing available space vis a vis capital investment.

When making it, research and consultation is very important. Stock movement represents buying trends and based on that, you can easily tell what products need to be on which spot, and of course, fast moving products need to be pushed to the forefront for the obvious reason that they are responsible for quite a bit of the overall turnover. In any business, maximizing profits is the core of every retailer.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgLW_b_Sl2E[/youtube]

Research catapults into the next step which is bringing all the points that involve it, which will now be used in drawing a model. With the model, you then fit boxes that represent actual products which may be visuals that will help determine if the size given will work, color alignment, these help you make the life-size display.

Each store has different needs depending on the line of specialization, local customer demand, size of the store and even the chains preferences. In the case of specialization, stores which sell fast moving goods such as household items will normally use text or box planograms. Fashion stores need the customer to get the real feel of the item so the make use of visuals to give an almost real outlook.

Despite suggestions provided by a supplier, a retail store may still require it based on the local buying trends, which vary according to areas due to different lifestyles. Certain chain stores would like to maintain their uniqueness and may thus come up with a similar technique to be used in all their outlets.

It is useful when it is put into proper use and is well maintained. Ensure all shelves are always stocked and dust free and provide clean labels ad stickers at all times. The advantages of these will come out sooner or later customer loyalty will be exhibited. It also gives a better method of controlling inventory and avoids the redundant out-of-stock mishap by ensuring staff are aware of what products need to be replaced when.

When applicable, suppliers can assist in crying out product research and coming up with one for their products, though many times, a store will come up with this thing themselves. This process has been made easier over time through technology advancement. Planogram software is available for use at a cost but can also be downloaded for one with the skill to use, but in case it is not available, one can make it manually with the use of the usual word processor.

About the Author: Want your products to stand out from your competition? Consider hiring a

retail services provider.

retail merchandising can offer a unique competitive advantage. Consult a retail service specialist today.

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=1342341&ca=Computers+and+Technology

You may also like