Effective DIY Retail Merchandising Strategies

Effective merchandising strategies in a hardware storeMerchandising in a hardware store is a key tool for increasing sales, efficiently managing assortment, and creating a positive customer experience. The success of a building materials store largely depends on how efficiently the layout of goods is organized, the location of zones, and how comfortable customers can make purchases.

Features of Merchandising For Construction Stores

DIY (“Do It Yourself”) stores occupy a unique niche in the market. Their customers are looking not only for quality goods, but also for ready-made solutions for the arrangement of their homes, gardens or other spaces. This creates special challenges for merchandising, because:

1. The assortment is large and diverse. There is everything from tools and paints to furniture fittings and garden accessories.
2. Different target audience. Buyers can be both professional builders and ordinary households.
3. The need for convenience and information. Customers expect to find everything they need quickly and effortlessly.

Basic Principles of Building Materials Merchandising in DIY Stores

Merchandising in building materials stores is guided by the following rules:

• Classification of the placement of the entire range of products on display in the store.
• Reasonable arrangement of product groups in the sales area in accordance with the location of the main flows of customers.
• Effective placement of consultants in the sales area for timely assistance to customers.
• Informing customers through booklets with a layout of a large store, as well as broadcasting accompanying information to help them navigate.

Effective Product Layout in a Hardware Store

Since building materials have different dimensions, there are certain layouts in the sales area and rules for their storage:

Large materials

The bulk of such goods are stored in the warehouse, and samples are placed on the sales floor. They are laid out on display stands with characteristics and cost. 

For large-sized products , such as lining or siding, it is recommended to use special racks or frames with dividers. These solutions allow you to conveniently display products while avoiding damage or compromising the integrity of the packaging.

Small-sized goods

Place them according to their classification. For example, fasteners (screws, dowels) - by size and type; finishing materials - by purpose.

Dry mixes

Place the bags in vertical blocks, grouping them by manufacturer and packaging. Place heavy packages at the bottom, lighter ones above, but not above eye level. This allows customers to quickly evaluate the available choice of volumes or packaging.

Wallpaper

Place them on special racks that allow the customer to examine the samples. Group by material, purpose, or color scheme. Place rollers, pallets and wallpaper glue nearby for customer convenience.

Long goods

Use frames with dividers or special shelving. For lumber or pipes, ensure a horizontal arrangement. Smaller merchandise can be placed vertically in dividers. Provide an area for leftovers or promotional items.

Bathroom products 

For furniture, bathtubs, showers, create installations that imitate a real bathroom. Place small assortments nearby: curtains, hooks, organizers.

Tools and equipment

Tools should be placed for their intended purpose: for repair, construction, garden. It is important that the goods are easily accessible, and key information is on stickers or in digital catalogs with QR codes. Place large units in a separate area to avoid clutter.

Tiles and floor coverings

Display tiling materials using stand displays. Group tiles by purpose, color or manufacturer. Place related goods nearby: adhesives, tools, varnishes.

Rolls and coils

Materials such as insulation or film are conveniently laid out vertically. It is recommended to wind coils of cables or wires on spools, which makes it easy to measure the required amount.

Effective Merchandising Strategies in a Hardware Store

1. Maximize cross-selling

It is important to place related products nearby. For example, brushes, rollers, and masking tape should be placed near the paint. This is not only convenient for the customer, but also contributes to additional sales. This approach allows you to maximize customer satisfaction.

2. Informing customers

Price tags, QR codes, and scanners in the sales area are necessary elements. Customers should easily get information about the cost, characteristics, and availability of goods. This helps to avoid confusion and reduce the workload on staff.

3. Easy navigation

In large DIY stores, it is important to provide customers with floor plans, signage, and clear division into zones. Technology, such as mobile apps with navigation, can significantly improve the customer experience.

4. Space organization

Wide aisles between shelves, convenient trolleys and shopping carts are the basis for a comfortable shopping experience. For example, products that trigger impulse purchases (seasonal or gift sets) are located in high-traffic areas, near cash registers or in the central parts of the hall.

5. Demonstration areas

Showrooms or stands with completed solutions (e.g., installed laminate or ceramic tiles) help customers visualize the result of working with materials.

6. Planogram of a hardware store

Planograms allow you to control the layout of goods and ensure their accessibility to customers. It is a tool that helps retailers to arrange products according to customer behavior and sales analysis.

7. Seasonal accents 

Seasonal plays an important role in sales. In winter, it's insulation and snow removal products, and in summer, merchandise for gardening or summer cottage renovation. It is beneficial to highlight such products in separate promotional areas.

8. Work with lighting

Lighting should emphasize the benefits of products. For example, proper lighting of tiles or laminates can showcase texture and color in a favorable way.

How to Create Effective Layout in a Hardware Store with PlanoHero

Merchandising for DIY Stores is a complex process that takes into account the specifics of goods, customer behavior, and the characteristics of the retail space. Use modern tools and strategies to create a comfortable environment for customers and increase the profitability of your store. And remember that even the best-selling product in a hardware store needs a well-thought-out organization to achieve the best results. 

Effective management of retail space and product placement is greatly simplified by innovations from PlanoHero. This is a modern automation system that will help you create the perfect planogram for your hardware store, optimize product layout, and improve customer service. Using PlanoHero, you can ensure accuracy and convenience in every detail.