In-Store Product Placement Guide For Retailers

Product layout in a store is a strategic process that influences customer perception, ease of navigation and, most importantly, sales. A competent planogram in a supermarket can draw attention to key products, encourage spontaneous purchases and build loyalty to the store. At the same time, in small retail stores it is important to effectively use the limited space, while maintaining convenience for customers.

How the Layout of Goods in the Store Affects Sales

The arrangement of goods on the shelves directly affects the customer's decision to buy.  Properly organized store space provides these benefits:

Increase in the Average Receipt

A quality planogram encourages the customer to make additional purchases. Companion items - ketchup next to chips or coffee pods next to coffee machines - reinforce mutual consumption and increase the average receipt.

In addition, placing impulse items (chocolates, chewing gum) near the cash register helps capitalize on customers' spontaneous decisions.

Efficient Use of Space

Proper product layout in a small store allows you to maximize the use of retail space. For example, goods with high margins or those that bring additional income, should be at eye level of the buyer. Supermarkets often use the methodology of “golden shelf” - places located at a height of 120-160 cm, where the goods are best visible and sold more actively.

For small stores it is especially important to organize the space so that every square meter works for profit. Skillful use of planograms helps to avoid chaotic layout and makes it logical and attractive for customers.

Customer Satisfaction

Efficient layout makes it easier to find the right products, which makes shopping more convenient. Logical grouping of products by category or frequency of use helps the customer to navigate through the assortment more quickly. Laying out products in a grocery store by type - dairy products together and eggs and butter next to each other - makes shopping intuitive.

When a customer finds everything they need without too much effort, they are more likely to return to the store again.

Increased Competitiveness

A well-designed store with a well thought-out layout not only attracts more customers, but also creates a positive impression of the brand.

The use of modern layout planning tools such as PlanoHero allows retailers to automate the process of product placement in retail stores, reduce the likelihood of errors and implement changes quickly. These solutions help to achieve the optimal balance between the visual appeal of the store and the efficiency of sales.

Layout of Goods in a Supermarket: the Rules

Competently thought-out layout can turn a simple visit to the store into a profitable event for business. Let's analyze the main approaches and rules that should be taken into account:

Sufficiency of Assortment

Variety is an incentive to buy. However, it is important not only to offer a wide choice, but also to present it correctly. Similar products from different brands can be arranged in blocks, which creates orderliness and helps to avoid the “clutter” effect.

Block layout is an effective method, when products of the same category are combined into large visual segments. This allows the customer to quickly compare options and choose the right one. A tool for creating blocks on the planogram is available in the PlanoHero service. It allows you to customize the layout in each individual block, adapting it to the needs of the business.

Prioritization

High margin or novelty products should occupy strategic locations such as eye level or the entrance area. This allows you to grab the attention of customers quickly.

In addition, there is a successful tactic of placing economical options next to expensive branded items (the “locomotive” principle). This encourages shoppers to pay attention to both categories.

Systematicity

The logic of category arrangement plays a key role. Grouping products into thematic areas or directions helps shoppers find what they need faster.

This is especially important in large supermarkets, where shoppers tend to choose stores for their convenience and thoughtfulness.

Displaying Prices and Promotions

The price tag is not only information, but also an important sales tool. It should be clear, contrasting and located at the level of the buyer's gaze.

Promotional goods are highlighted with special labels or colored frames. This visually attracts attention and encourages impulse buying.

Visibility

Buyers' eyes are always drawn to goods that are clearly visible and within reach. Essential products such as milk, bread and water are most often placed at eye level or slightly below.

The Impact of Layout on Customer Behavior

Thoughtful layout in a supermarket can control the customer's journey. Popular products are often placed at the back of the aisle, forcing the customer to go through all sections. This increases the chances of buying related products.

The golden triangle is the key areas that a customer is sure to pass through: the entrance, the main showcase with popular products and the cash register. Expanding the distances between these points encourages the customer to explore the assortment.

Types of Product Placement

There are several popular ways of laying out, each of which has its own advantages and features:

1. Vertical. Goods of one category are placed along the entire height of the rack. This method helps to visually separate groups of products and attracts attention.
2. Horizontal. Products are placed in a line along one shelf. This is convenient for goods that are often bought together (for example, pasta and sauces).
3. Bulk. Products are displayed in large volumes (on pallets or in baskets) to draw attention to promotional or seasonal items.
4. Floorstanding. Special racks and stands are placed in the central aisles, at the cash registers, enlivening the space.
5. Display. The use of special displays, stands or stands. Ideal for the presentation of novelties, premium products or goods with unique packaging design.

Attention is also paid to the so-called dead zones - places where customers rarely look. To activate them, signs, illumination and special promotional displays are used.

How to Use Shelving Effectively?

Racks are the backbone of any retail store. They provide order, availability of goods and set the general tone of perception of the store. 

First of all, they should be convenient for both customers and staff. The height of the shelves plays a key role: the lower shelves should be accessible without the need to bend down, and the upper shelves should be no higher than the level of an outstretched arm. In addition, it is important to consider the strength and stability of the design, because supermarkets work with a lot of products, often heavy and bulky.

The aesthetic aspect is also important. Modern buyers appreciate visual comfort. Racks should be neat, clean, with even shelves. White or light colors reflect light better, creating a feeling of spaciousness.

The PlanoHero service will be a reliable assistant for stores that want to increase sales. The platform's tools allow you to optimize product placement in store based on sales analytics and consumer behavior.