Merchandising Tricks from a Pro - A Quick Guide to Selling Smarter

Merchandising Tricks from a Pro - A Quick Guide to Selling Smarter

1. Eye-Level Is Buy-Level

Pro Tip: Place bestsellers or high-margin items at eye level, where they naturally draw attention.

  • For adults, that’s around 4 to 5 feet off the floor.

  • Use endcaps or standalone displays to emphasize these products.

2. Use the Rule of Three

Pro Tip: Display products in groups of three — it creates visual balance and helps customers compare options.

  • Example: Place basic, mid-tier, and premium versions side by side.

  • People often choose the middle option (hello, upsell!).

3. Lead with Your Left

Pro Tip: Shoppers in most cultures scan displays from left to right — place the “grabber” item (eye-catching or promotional) on the left, and guide them through a story or product set.

4. Cross-Merchandising = Cross-Selling

Pro Tip: Pair related items together to increase basket size.

  • Example: Gloves next to winter hats. Batteries near electronics.

  • This increases convenience and sparks buying ideas customers didn’t think of.

5. Create a Focal Point (a.k.a. “Power Zone”)

Pro Tip: Every display should have a clear focal product — usually the newest, boldest, or most profitable item.

  • Use lighting, color contrast, or signage to draw the eye.

  • Avoid clutter around the focal point — let it shine.

6. Rotate Frequently — Even If the Stock Doesn’t Change

Pro Tip: Customers tune out static displays. Rearrange layouts weekly or bi-weekly to make the store feel fresh and engaging.

  • Bonus: This helps highlight forgotten inventory.

7. Use Signage with Purpose

Pro Tip: Don’t overdo it, but well-placed, simple signs make a huge impact.

  • Use bold headers, short benefit-driven text, and pricing that’s easy to read.

  • “You deserve this comfort.” works better than “New arrival.”

8. Highlight Limited-Time Offers Visually

Pro Tip: Use color-coded tags, countdown timers, or “limited quantity” signage to trigger urgency.

  • Red, orange, or yellow are psychologically linked with urgency and action.

9. Make It Shoppable

Pro Tip: Keep displays neat, well-stocked, and easy to interact with.

  • If customers can’t reach it or try it, they probably won’t buy it.

  • Bonus: Use mirrors, testers, or QR codes for added engagement.

10. Tell a Story With Your Display

Pro Tip: Group products to create a theme — “Back-to-school,” “Winter Essentials,” “Gifts Under $30,” etc.

  • Shoppers engage more when a display solves a problem or fits a lifestyle.


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