168 Merchandising to Sell: Intuitive Merchandising

Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/merchandising-to-sell-intuitive-merchandising-episode-168/

Today on the podcast we are digging into the library of resources inside my Retailer’s Inner Circle to learn a little bit more about merchandising. I talk a lot on this podcast about the various masterclasses my members have access to inside the Inner Circle, and I’m sharing one helpful section with you today. I’m sharing part 2 of my 5 part Merchandising to Sell Masterclass and discussing intuitive layouts with you. Let’s dive in.

Two Types of Layouts

1. Free Flow Merchandising essentially means to send customers down a particular path. Paths should be free of dead ends and set up in such a way that customers do not miss entire sections of your shop.

2. Aisles are just like they sound: typical of grocery stores. Aisle merchandising can sound cold, but it’s extremely effective if done properly.

To build the best layout for your customers, you’ll want to observe your customers in the shop. See how they move through your displays and note anything they might be missing.

Once you’ve found any holes in your merchandising plan, you can create more intuitive and intentional displays to attract your customers. Ensure similar use items are together. (Example: don’t separate paint brushes from your paint!) Make it easy for your customers to find and understand things within your shop!

Re-merchandising is an amazing way to make your shop feel fresh, but be sure that you aren’t changing something that is working.

Focus on the entrance of your shop.

1. Make the first impression unforgettable (in a good way!)

2. Don’t put your highest ticket items by the door.

3. Use good lighting and make sure it is clean and spacious.

4. Ensure nothing is blocking the sightlines through your shop.

5. Know that customers typically go to the right when they come in - put your cash wrap to the left if it needs to be in the front of your shop.

6. All senses should be activated: good sights, sounds, smells, etc.

There is no better time to re-merchandise your shop than Q3: typically summer has slowed things down - it’s the calm before the Q4 storm! It’s also a good time for professional development. We are currently welcoming new members into the Retailer’s Inner Circle and would love to have you. If this conversation sparked something in you today and you’d like more, join us. We’d love to have you.

Your Homework Listen to the podcast episode on Customer Journey Mapping and walk your store from the entrance with fresh eyes. Begin observing your customers and watching how they flow through your shop.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 156: 6 Proven Ways to Improve Your Shop’s Merchandising

Episode 144: How to Create a Customer Journey Map

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/

For more support from Wendy

Retailer’s Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer’s community

Wendy’s FREE Resources for shop owners

Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG

All of Wendy’s programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.

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