10 Retail Product Placement Tips for Small Business

I’ve got some awesome advice for small business owners like you who want to nail their retail product placement. Let’s dive right in and discover 10 amazing tips that will help you up your game!

1. Catch their attention right off the bat. When customers walk into your store, make sure your most eye-catching products are positioned front and center. Draw them in with a visual feast!

2. Create a flow that leads to success. Arrange your products in a way that guides customers through your store naturally. A well-thought-out layout will make it easy for them to browse and discover everything you have to offer.

3. Use the power of story. People love stories, so why not tell one with your product placement? Arrange your products in a way that tells a story, with complementary items grouped together to create a compelling narrative.

4. Play with heights and levels. Break free from the monotony of a flat display! Vary the heights and levels of your products to add visual interest and make your store feel more dynamic.

5. Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Experiment with different arrangements and displays to keep things fresh. Switching things up every now and then will keep your customers engaged and excited to see what’s new.

6. Highlight impulse buys. You know those little things that customers just can’t resist? Place them strategically near the checkout counter to give them one last chance to snag something extra.

7. Embrace the power of color. Color has a profound impact on our emotions, so use it to your advantage. Consider the mood you want to create and choose colors that evoke those feelings in your customers.

8. Make it easy to find what they need. Organize your products logically and clearly label different sections. When customers can easily navigate your store, they’re more likely to find exactly what they’re looking for.

9. Pay attention to your target audience. Understand who your customers are and what they want. Tailor your product placement to their preferences and desires, and watch the sales start to soar.

10. Keep an eye on trends. Stay up to date with the latest retail trends and incorporate them into your product placement strategy. By staying relevant, you’ll attract customers who are eager to experience something new and exciting.

Well, there you have it! With these 10 retail product placement tips in your toolbox, you’re ready to take your small business to the next level. Happy selling!

In 2019, a whopping $11.44 billion will be spent on product placement in stores across the United States. This is a good reason for all small businesses to take note of these ten tips for successful retail product placement.

I decided to reach out to Tim McCouch, the Vice President of TLK Fusion, to get some expert advice. He first explained what product placement really means.

Product placement is not just about getting your brand on a store shelf, he said in an email.

Tips for Successful Retail Product Placement

Show Off Your Unique Features

According to McCouch, one of the most important aspects of product placement is highlighting what sets your product apart from the rest.

With so many different brands vying for attention, it’s crucial to be ready to talk about what makes your product stand out, he advises.

One effective strategy is to create an engaging story around your product.

Plan Ahead for Success

It’s really important for retailers to plan ahead. You see, a buyer for a retailer might start looking for something they want on their shelves as early as June, even if they want it to be available in April.

In other words, you need to plan in advance.

It’s crucial to make sure that your own finances aren’t dependent on receiving an immediate order, McCouch advises.

Think Big but Start Small

Another thing he mentions is the importance of taking things step by step. Just because you strike a deal with a big national retailer doesn’t mean that your product will automatically be available in all of their stores. Sometimes, it’s better to start small, maybe on a smaller e-commerce platform, to get a feel for things and understand how to proceed.

Clearly Brand Your Product

Small businesses often have interesting stories behind their products. However, these stories don’t always help with selling. It’s crucial to be clear about your product and make sure that its branding and name are closely tied to what it actually is.

Naming your skincare brand after your firstborn or family pet might seem cute, but it won’t inspire confidence in consumers or the buying community, McCouch explains.

It’s a good idea to seek professional advice from a marketing firm.

Find a Partner

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve developed the product yourself. You know all about it, but you may not be as knowledgeable about sales and marketing. Find a partner who understands how to effectively sell your product, so it can get on the shelves faster.

Handle Rejection

Not everyone you approach will be interested in carrying your product. Rejection is a normal part of being a business owner. However, don’t let it discourage you. Ask for feedback from those who turn you down, as it can provide valuable insights for improvement.

Create a Strong Marketing Plan

I have some advice for you on how to effectively market your partnership with a retailer, says McCouch. Retailers appreciate it when you contribute to supporting sales.

Make sure to cover all your bases by including both digital and traditional media, such as print.

Create a Strategy that Reaches Customers Everywhere

Also, make sure to hire a team that understands the basics of search engine optimization.

Make Your Product Stand Out

Don’t forget about the importance of product placement in traditional brick and mortar stores. Make sure your product is displayed at eye level to increase visibility and attract customers.

When I’m shopping, I automatically start looking at the shelf right at eye level, and I work from left to right, I explained. But interestingly, this isn’t the same for men and women. So it’s worth considering whether you want your product to be on a higher or lower row on the shelf.

Keep an Eye Out for Impulse Areas

These areas are typically located near the checkout counter.

We’ve all experienced those moments when we impulsively toss a magazine or a pack of gum into our cart at the last minute, I shared. That’s why it’s important to take advantage of these coveted spots for your product. However, it can be a challenge to secure one of these areas from a larger retailer. You might need the assistance of a major distributor to negotiate on your behalf.