Retail Merchandising Services
Customer Impact is a third-party retail merchandising services company. We are the premier provider of full-service, nationwide merchandiser support.
Our goal is to keep your products and displays looking their best.
Whether it’s ongoing brand improvement or a one-time project, our merchandising services provide flexibility and support to help you drive sales at retail.
Our people, experience, and resources allow us to efficiently merchandise your products at the point of sale.
Retail Merchandising Capabilities
The CI Standard
The Industry Norm
Most merchandising companies still operate under a rigid service model where a retail merchandiser visits a store and works on behalf of five or more different customers during a single store visit. While this approach might maximize profits for the merchandising company, it doesn’t provide the quality and attention to detail that brands need at the point-of-sale.
Our Approach
Customer Impact’s merchandising approach emphasizes quality, speed, and flexibility. Every store visit is exclusively for a singular customer, with only their needs in mind. This approach also allows for the ability to adapt and refine KPI’s in real-time, based on the discoveries of our retail team once they get into the field.
How We Achieve Success
We know that anything and everything can happen in retail. To achieve success, we build partnerships with our customers through proper planning, quality control, and constant communication throughout the process.
Once you experience the results, no other merchandising provider will meet our standards.
How does the Retail Merchandising process work?
Retail merchandising is the process of making merchandise available in stores and includes both execution (e.g., shelving items and installing displays) and strategy (e.g., product selection, product placement, display design, and other techniques).
The purpose of retail merchandising is to encourage purchases, improve the customer experience, and increase profitability.
The Retail Merchandising Process involves several key aspects:
Product Placement
Strategically placing products in the optimal store environment position to attract the right audience.
Display Design
Creating visually appealing and effective displays to showcase merchandise and urge buyers to purchase.
In-Store Merchandising
Managing the visual presentation of merchandise in the store, including arrangement and the use of signage.
Merchandising Software
Utilizing retail software to simplify in-store merchandising, improve compliance, and boost visual verification, reporting, and transparency.
Why do companies need Retail Merchandising services?
Companies need retail merchandising services to effectively promote and display their products in retail stores. These services help ensure that products are visually appealing, organized, and easily accessible to customers.
Retail Merchandising is a support resource that assists brands and retailers in process of selling their products. Conditions constantly change in the retail environment, and many facets of the retail process need to be regularly monitored and updated.
Through retail merchandising, companies can ensure their products are effectively promoted and displayed in retail stores, ultimately driving sales and customer engagement.
Some key reasons why companies need retail merchandising services include:
Planogram Maintenance
Merchandising services ensure that products are displayed according to planograms, which help maintain an engaging and organized presentation at the point of sale.
In-Store Marketing Initiatives
Retail merchandising services can help companies develop targeted, retail-approved in-store marketing.
Endcaps & Displays
Merchandising services can help maximize brand exposure and sales by effectively merchandising endcaps and promotional displays in retail stores.
Reset & Revision Audits
Retail audits conducted by merchandising services can confirm that new planogram sets are compliant, set on time, and engaging the customer.
Customized Solutions
Retail merchandising services offer tailored solutions for different in-store merchandising needs, taking into account the specific requirements of the company, retailer, and the product.
Additional Services
Retail merchandising services can also provide additional support tasks such as applying labels and stickers, product recalls, packaging updates, expired product removal, and ad hoc customized services.
Common issues that retail merchandising services resolve
Brands can create inviting and engaging merchandising displays that encourage customers to make purchases and promote brand loyalty. Regular retail merchandising service ensures these products and displays remain attractive to the customer.
Here are some common issues frequently seen in retail merchandising:
Hidden Products
Proper placement and organization of products can help attract customers and increase sales.
Crowded Displays
Keep your products organized and avoid overcrowding them. This can help customers easily find and access the items they are looking for.
Confusing Displays
Keep your displays simple and easy to understand. Overcrowded or cluttered displays can be off-putting and confusing for customers.
Stagnant Merchandising
Regularly update your merchandising strategies and techniques to keep your products fresh and engaging for customers.
Benefits of outsourcing retail merchandising services
Outsourcing retail merchandising services can provide several benefits to companies.
Companies can take advantage of the following benefits to improve their overall business performance:
Cost Savings
Outsourcing merchandising services can help companies save money on hiring, training, and overseeing in-house staff, as well as the costs associated with maintaining an in-house merchandising department.
Expertise
By outsourcing to a third-party merchandiser, companies can leverage the expertise of experienced professionals who specialize in retail merchandising, ensuring better results and faster turnaround times.
Scalability
Outsourcing merchandising services allows companies to easily scale their operations up or down as needed, providing greater flexibility in resource utilization.
Greater Coverage
Outsourcing can provide coverage in new markets or supplement existing markets for companies looking to expand their reach.
Aspects of a successful retail merchandising plan
A successful retail merchandising plan should make finding and purchasing your products an enjoyable process for shoppers.
Your plan should include the following considerations:
Product Placement
Proper placement and organization of products can help attract customers and increase sales. Retail merchandising ensures that products are strategically placed in stores to maximize visibility and accessibility for customers.
Visual Merchandising
By creating and maintaining visually appealing displays, retail merchandising helps attract customers and encourages them to make purchases.
Promotions & Campaigns
Retail merchandising assist in the implementation of promotional campaigns, such as seasonal sales or special offers, to drive sales and customer engagement.
Inventory Management
Retail merchandising involves managing levels of inventory to ensure optimal stock availability and minimize excess stock costs.
Data Analysis
Retail merchandising provides data which can be used to make informed decisions about product placement, pricing, and promotions, ultimately driving sales and customer satisfaction.
Customer Experience
Retail merchandising aims to enhance the overall customer experience by providing well-organized, visually appealing, and an easily accessible shopping environment.
Best practices for outsourcing retail merchandising services
Working with a third-party merchandising company can be beneficial for your business, but it’s essential to follow best practices to ensure a successful partnership.
Here are some best practices for outsourcing retail merchandising services:
Define Clear Objectives
Clearly communicate your goals and expectations to the outsourcing partner to ensure they understand your requirements and can deliver the desired results.
Establish Effective Communication
Maintain open lines of communication with your outsourcing partner to address any issues or concerns that may arise during the partnership.
Monitor & Evaluate Performance
Regularly assess the performance of your outsourcing partner to ensure they continue to meet your defined expectations and deliver the desired results.
Develop a Strong Relationship
Build a strong, trusting relationship with your outsourcing partner to foster collaboration and ensure a successful long-term partnership.
Provide the Necessary Resources
Provide information and support to the outsourcing team to ensure they are well-versed in your products, brand standards, and retail merchandising requirements.
Choosing the right company for outsourcing retail merchandising services
Choosing the right third-party merchandising company involves considering several factors to ensure a successful partnership.
Here are some key aspects to consider when pursuing a partnership:
Experience
Look for a provider with extensive retail experience and, more specifically, experience in the type of retail environment you operate in. This guarantees they are well-versed in industry-specific challenges and can work within your needs.
Reputation and Track Record
Investigate their reputation and track record, including their client portfolio, case studies, and testimonials, to assess their success and reputation.
Infrastructure & Tools
Consider partners with the infrastructure and tools needed to support your brand. These can include coverage footprint, technology provisions and/or partnerships, and data reporting tools.
Professionalism
Interact with their management teams, and get a feel for how they operate.
Get a Retail Merchandising Project Quote
(For business inquiries only)
