1. Specificity of the Construction Assortment
Construction stores offer a wide range of products, from small items to large materials. Customers are generally not regular visitors to these stores and may find it challenging to navigate the vast array of products. Therefore, the merchandiser's task is to make the selection process as convenient and understandable as possible.
2. General Merchandising Principles
Regardless of the type of store (large construction center or small pavilion), there are general layout rules:
- Logical placement: Products should be logically distributed by zones. For example, tools should be near building materials, and paints should be near brushes and rollers.
- Visual cleanliness: Shelves should be tidy and clean. Dust and clutter can deter customers.
- Proper pricing: Price tags should be clearly visible and correspond to the product.
3. Types of Hardware Stores
Hardware stores vary in size and assortment:
- Pavilions: Small stores with a limited assortment.
- Medium stores: With an area of 150-200 m² and a medium assortment.
- Large construction centers: Huge stores with a rich assortment.
- Warehouse stores: Continuous trading area without separation between the showroom and the warehouse.
4. Tools and Automation
Modern solutions like WiseRep CRM help optimize merchandising in hardware stores. They automate the management of retail space and the development of planograms.