How Shelves Can Cause a Mess

Recently, I was reviewing an OTC section and could not understand why it seemed so messy. The product was put on a shelf following a planogram, so that was OK. Then it hit me: most planograms are designed for 4-foot wide shelving, and the gondola I was looking at was 7 feet long, composed of a 4-foot and a 3-foot section. This leads to 1 foot of product being squished in.

Do your gondolas or wall units present a challenge? Is it because the shelving does not match the size of the planograms? If so, you have two ways to fix the problem. The simplest way is to cut the slowest selling products out of the planogram until the product fits properly. Or, choose a 4-foot planogram and double-face your private label and best-selling brand. What would you rather have: a messy-looking OTC section with lots of product to choose from, or a neat-looking section with limited product? A neat-looking section wins every time.

March Reminders

• No matter where your store is located, by this time you should have a display of sunscreen on the sales floor.

• Springtime is also known as "Floor Display" season. Load up! They are great for building impulse sales; however, do not let them block the entrances of your aisles.

• Assign an employee to straighten your Easter candy, cards and gifts at least once a day now through the holiday.

Exciting and Unique Line that Customers Love

Frunutta's Micro Quick Absorb^®, no-water-needed vitamins are not only incredibly easy to take, they are preservative free, non-GMO, gluten free, dye free, and pure vitamins — no fillers, no additives, no excipients. Order through the Front-End Marketplace and get Free Shipping!

"I know what you are thinking: 'I don't need another vitamin line.' You may be right, but Frunutta is not another vitamin. The Micro Quick Absorb^®, no-water-needed tablets are amazing and your customers are going to thank you for having them. Start with one 4-foot shelf's worth and you will soon want the full line." –Gabe Trahan, NCPA Senior Director Store Operations and Marketing

Learn Easy, No- or Low-Cost Ways to Transform Your Front End at a 1-Day School

It doesn't take an expensive renovation to transform your front end into a profitable powerhouse. All it takes is dedicated staff, creative ideas, and a strong plan. Learn how to craft your success plan to attract new customers, keep them, and sell them more by registering for the Front-End Profit Building Seminar, sponsored by Good Neighbor Pharmacy, April 19 in Clark, N.J., Sept. 19 in Little Rock, Ark., or Oct. 5 in Boston. Discover how to build better end-caps, create your own floor plan with minimal expense, explore new trends and niches, improve your curbside appeal, sell more private label, and become a better buyer and a superior seller. Spots are limited—register now. The program is designed for store owners, managers, and anyone who works in the front end. Special rates available for team members.