Toolbox Tuesday: Merchandising Tools That Work in the Real World
Every Tuesday, I reflect on the practical tools—physical, digital, and strategic—that have made a difference throughout my retail and merchandising journey. Here’s a Toolbox Tuesday grounded in my hands-on experience across grocery stores, CPG brands, and field merchandising:
The Right Tools for the Shelf and Beyond
Toolbox Tuesday isn’t just about planograms and shelf labels—it’s about using the right combination of resources, relationships, and routines to drive results.
My Go-To Merchandising Tools:
1. Data + Instinct
• I’ve always paired POS data with in-store observation. Knowing the numbers is powerful—but reading the room (and the aisle) is where decisions win.
2. Shelf-Level Strategy
• From endcap execution at Walmart to fine-tuning shelf sets at ShopRite, a sturdy tape measure, a planogram app, and an eye for consumer behavior are non-negotiables.
3. Relationship Equity
• My best “tool” has been relationships—with store managers, DSD drivers, and other reps. A friendly check-in can unlock better placement, faster resets, and priority for your product.
4. Retailer-Specific Knowledge
• Each store is a different game. Understanding the rules at Weis vs. Redners vs. Giant helped me align with their goals while staying agile on the floor.
5. Mobile Efficiency
• Whether it was uploading photos from the field, logging out-of-stocks, or adjusting orders—smartphone apps and real-time communication tools kept me ahead.
Tool I’ve Built Over Time:
Adaptability
You can’t succeed in retail if you can’t pivot. Whether it’s a surprise reset, a missing pallet, or a late truck—I’ve learned to turn obstacles into opportunity using preparation, patience, and people skills.
Toolbox Tuesday Takeaway:
Success in merchandising isn’t just about what’s in your toolkit—it’s about knowing when and how to use it. From the stockroom to the sales floor, the best tool is experience. And I’ve built mine one store, one SKU, and one relationship at a time.