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.