Monday, 28 October 2013

The Problems Faced By Visual Merchandisers and How to Overcome Them



With the retail business booming in every part of the world, visual merchandising has assumed an exceptional importance. Many retail giants in developed countries like USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand etc have started considering this approach. A good and unique visual merchandising display strategy can turn the tables with increase in sales and staff productivity. However, getting the right strategy can be a herculean task for most of the merchandising companies New Zealand. The continuous development of new products, lack of display space allocation and the persistent change in customer preference, all this add to the challenging environment for merchandisers and food brokers New Zealand.

Challenges that visual merchandisers are facing
One of the greatest challenges that visual merchandisers are facing is the dynamic characteristics of their target market. Due to changing behavior of consumers it is becoming tough for them to maintain consistency. Below are some of the few challenges that are faced by visual merchandisers:
·         1. Too many new types of merchandise: For food brokers New Zealand this could create a problem to reach out to retail segment as new products are being introduced every single day. This is also a nightmare for visual merchandisers who have the sole responsibility for finding display space of the new products on the floor of the store.
·         2. Limited space for display: Whether big or small, merchandising companies New Zealand have to deal with the outpouring new products and SKUs (stock-keeping units). With the huge range of items in hand like cosmetics, foodstuffs, soaps, skincare and detergents, it is quite difficult to manage with limited shelf space provided.
·         3. Prevention of loss and theft: Theft is quite common in supermarkets and departmental stores and can even occur in broad daylight. Even those who have installed security cameras and tracking devices can still fall victim to theft. Therefore, merchandising companies have to ensure that their display should also consider the security of the products.
·         4. Conflicting interests: Sometimes there is lack of co-ordination and co-operation which is a result of conflicting interest between the top management, merchandisers and staffs. This occurs due to majority of the decision as to where products are to be displayed is predetermined by the top-level management and the supplier themselves, not by the merchandiser.

How to resolve these issues?
When it comes to foodstuffs and related products, the merchandisers and food brokers New Zealand should effectively address the challenge of constant new product flow in the emerging markets. They should make a study of the target market well in advance to determine the product preference of the consumers. If products are grouped according to model, size and make, it can enable their easy displaying. The merchandisingcompanies New Zealand should ensure that high value products are given preference in the displaying process. It’s a good idea to make an illusion of display with fewer products that appear to be a lot. By following the above mentioned tips, it would really help sales increment and productivity.

Friday, 26 April 2013

Maximizing your profits through a supermarket broker



The process of marketing goods and meeting sales targets can be a tough challenge and require more than just a good team and strategy. Targeting consumers is complex and will emerge from no one factor but a combination of merchandising practices that together can help businesses increase sales and profits. Particularly in the food industry, supermarket sales and merchandising can be very competitive, and if you are a retailer it could be beneficial to consider using supermarket broker to keep up with your opponents. Supermarket brokers can provide merchandising services that include branding and marketing of a product, predications and forecasts of trends in marketing and the economy, stacking and presentation of product displays in store and recommendations on stock orders, pricing and discounts. Outsourcing a supermarket broker will help effectively meet consumer demands and often improve time and cost efficiency in a business.

In supermarket sales andmerchandising, aesthetics play a large role in enticing consumers to buy products. A well designed display can be the make or break of a consumers decision whether or not to buy a product. Supermarket sales and merchandising teams are generally able to forecast 12-18 months ahead of marketing and economic trends, allowing them to keep up with movements in consumer demands and stay ahead of fashions, trends and seasons.

While store employees traditionally stacked shelves, many store-owners are finding it increasingly efficient to delegate these jobs. More specialized workers such as supermarket brokers, manufacturers, vendors and wholesalers are able to apply their expertise in particular food areas to producing effective displays, resulting in often better quality consumer targeting and allowing stores to reduce employees.
                                                                     
Sales and merchandising in the food and supermarket industry is vital to meeting sales targets and increasing profits to make your business successful. Though there are many ways to approach the marketing of products supermarket brokers have proven themselves in providing high quality, efficient and cost effective sales and merchandising services


Friday, 5 April 2013

Increase Sales Through Food Broker Services


One of the biggest challenges for NZ food companies and manufacturers is determining the best method to sell and deliver their foodstuffs to retail outlets in NZ. Many companies have delivery chains set up and personally deliver their product to foodstuffs outlets in NZ, however, if the company is not consistently delivering a high quantity of food this can get costly and time consuming. Another option is to hire a food broker. This can be an especially helpful tool for smaller food companies, or those who have no food brokerage experience. The main benefit of a food broker is that they can develop and manage relationships with retailers allowing your company and employees to focus on more important business related activities. 

There is a lot of time and energy that goes into establishing relationships with foodstuffs NZ retailers. Determining exactly where product will be sold is one part, then establishing prices, margins and delivery method and frequency is a whole other part that can get quite complicated quickly. If you are considering hiring a food broker for your foodstuffs NZ needs it is best to start by educating yourself about the role a food broker would play in your company. After deciding to use a supermarket broker you must determine if you want to use an independent broker or a brokerage house. Independent brokers are often more economical and can dedicate more time to your product, however they don’t always have as many foodstuffs connections as a brokerage house may. Larger corporations usually have a large staff with experts for each product type.

Try interviewing several food brokers to learn more about the services they offer, their individual specialties and what kind of business recommendations they have for your brand. By checking out a few different companies, you will get an idea of the one that is best suited to you and your brand.