Course Description
Introduction
Effective store layout and merchandising drive sales, reduce shopper friction, and improve space productivity. This practical program builds core skills in planning store flow, creating clear product zones, applying simple visual merchandising rules, and optimizing space using easy tools, checklists, and daily routines.
Course Objectives
• Plan customer flow and layout for easier shopping
• Build product zones and logical adjacencies
• Apply simple visual merchandising principles
• Improve shelf and display productivity using basic metrics
• Maintain standards with routines and checklists
Target Audience
• Storekeepers and stockroom staff supporting floor readiness
• Retail supervisors and section leaders
• Merchandisers and store operations teams
• New store managers and assistants
• Anyone involved in shelf setup and display maintenance
Course Outlines
Day 1: Store Layout Fundamentals
• Store goals: sales, service, safety, and speed
• Layout types: grid, racetrack, free-flow (simple uses)
• Customer flow basics: entry zone to checkout path
• Hot spots, cold spots, and sight lines
• Activity: Sketch a simple store map
Day 2: Zoning and Product Adjacency
• Creating departments and clear shopping zones
• Adjacency planning: what belongs near what
• Destination, routine, and impulse categories
• Signage basics: category signs and price clarity
• Workshop: Build a zone plan for one aisle/area
Day 3: Visual Merchandising Essentials
• Facing, blocking, and clean presentation standards
• Eye-level rules and “golden zone” placement
• Display types: endcaps, gondola ends, feature tables
• Planograms: reading and following simple layouts
• Activity: Reset a shelf using a checklist
Day 4: Space Optimization and Stock-to-Shelf
• Shelf capacity and simple space planning
• SKU rationalization basics: slow vs fast movers
• Replenishment routines: fill, face, rotate (FIFO/FEFO)
• Reducing clutter: backroom organization for faster refill
• Case study: Improve a low-performing section
Day 5: Promotions, Execution, and Standards
• Promotion planning: placement, timing, and visibility
• Cross-merchandising and bundle displays
• Measuring results: sales lift, sell-through, out-of-stocks
• Daily/weekly audit checklists and maintenance routines
• Final project: Design and present a mini layout + display plan
