Grocery Store Layout Tips: Ways and Placement

A huge assortment of goods in the store does not guarantee high sales. It's not about quantity, but about quality and availability for potential customers. If the buyer encounters difficulties in finding the goods, it is unlikely that he will become a regular customer.

The principles of merchandising are applied in layout for maximum comfort of customers in the store. These principles are special rules and methods for displaying goods on the trading floor.

Product layout options:

1. Layout by product groups.

This layout means placing one group of goods on the shelves, for example, a group of milk with different packaging and manufacturers. This makes shopping easier for customers when the entire range of dairy products is in front of their eyes and there is no need to look for the necessary product all over the store. Such a layout by product groups is also convenient because of comparing prices in different manufacturers.

2. Laying out the brand block or by the manufacturer.

Branding is most often used to make a particular brand more recognizable among other brands. A corporate block is a shelf space for goods of a specific manufacturer. This display of goods attracts the attention of buyers by contrast and color, unlike other types of layout. A branded layout increases the time spent by visitors near such products. This is like the effect of an advertising stand.

To create a layout merchandisers use special tools - programs for working with planograms.

3. Vertical layout.

With a vertical layout, the same type of goods of the same brand or manufacturer is laid out on the shelves vertically, from top to bottom. The goods are placed vertically in rows along with the entire height. This layout helps buyers quickly navigate when searching for products.

At the same time, goods are distributed by size from smallest to largest: the smallest on the top shelves, the largest on the bottom. It is known, that when making a  purchasing decision, the buyer is at a distance of no more than 50 cm from the goods. Therefore, in order to notice the product, the width (layout) of the vertical row of products must be at least 40 cm.

4. Horizontal layout.

Another layout type of goods in the store is when the product group (by type or brand) is placed horizontally on two or three shelves. The goods are placed along with the equipment, on the shelves of racks, showcases, etc. At the same time, the largest or cheaper goods are placed on the lowest shelf. The goods are laid out from left to right by type, by volume reduction.

Supermarkets often use a mixed type - horizontal + vertical display. If the product group has a small selection of positions, then it is better to place the product using a vertical layout. If, on the contrary, the assortment is wider, a horizontal or combined display will work better.

One more thing, the horizontal layout of one product should not be longer than 1.5 meters. It's all about consumer perception. A person visually divides the rack into zones of 1.5-2 meters and will not be able to see the goods located outside of such a zone.

5. Display layout.

This method of layout is usually used at additional points of sale. Most often, this is a separate advertising stand or rack, placed in a conspicuous place on the trading floor to attract the attention of buyers. Such a stand should be well lit and decorated. Here the focus is on certain products. The display layout is used for seasonal and promotional products.

6. Pallet or floor display.

For this type of display, pallets are used for goods layout. In order to attract attention, there should be a piece of information about the product with actual prices. Pallet layout is considered more efficient with a large amount of one product. This type of display is placed around the perimeter of the store or in the checkout area. Thanks to this layout, even slow-moving products are sold.

7. Mass display.

High-demand goods are laid out in large amounts in the form of pyramids, cubes, and thematic figures. This method of displaying goods allows merchandisers to achieve the effect of "availability" when the client can come up and touch the goods. The mass layout is actively supported by POSM: special large-format price tags, flags, garlands, stands, etc. Often such displays are organized during special promotions and seasonal sales of goods.

Product display tips:

• Control the filling of shelves and showcases. If there are not a lot of goods, make it look like full shelves. Install showcases and racks with mirrored panels.

• Layout the catchweight goods of the same type in at least 3 rows.

• Cuts of sausages, cheese, and meat products must be fresh.

• Place expensive goods separately from cheap ones, with a gradual increase in price.

• Place popular products at the beginning and the end of the rack. The rest should be in the middle. Unmarketable goods are sold better next to popular goods.

• Pay attention to products with a short expiration date and make them available for buyers.

• Place products of the same brand side by side, for example, juices of the same brand.

• Keep the shop floor and equipment clean and tidy.

What types of product layouts work best?

There is no single answer here. It depends on the group of goods, store format, and the characteristics of target customers. It’s important that the search for the right product for the buyer should be as simple and convenient as possible. And the layout itself should catch the attention of customers and involve them in the shopping process.