Effective food merchandising is an art and science. The right fixtures and furniture can significantly impact a restaurant’s sales and customer experience. This guide explores essential elements of food merchandising and provides solutions for common challenges faced by operators.
Fixtures: The Framework of Merchandising
Merchandising fixtures create the foundation for displaying products, menu items, or point-of-sale components. Designed to adapt to various retail environments, these tools are typically fabricated from wood, metal, plastic, or natural materials.
Key Categories of Fixtures:
Displays
- Boos Blocks
- Kiosks
- Casework
- Nested Tables
- Shelving
- Gondolas
Point of Sale
- Business Card Holders
- Rack Card Systems
- Literature and Gift Card Holders
- Register Impulse Racks
- Countertop Displays
Systems
- Slatwall and Gridwall
- Tray and Spring-Loaded Systems
- Gravity-Fed Displays
- Floor Stands
- Sign Holders and Banner Systems
- Product Shippers and Holders
Addressing Common Challenges
"I have difficulty choosing profit-driving fixtures."
Challenges:
- High costs and overwhelming options
- Generic stock fixtures with supplier-centric messages
- Employee difficulty adjusting fixtures
- Stale sales environments due to overused fixtures
Restaurant & Foodservice Needs:
- Showcasing Products Effectively: Opt for fixtures that position items for maximum visibility and appeal.
- Custom Solutions for Chains: Tailored designs that align with brand identity.
- Safety and Efficiency Reviews: Regularly evaluate fixtures to dispose of unsafe or ineffective ones.
- Employee Training: Teach staff how to set and maintain merchandise displays.
Results You Can Expect
- Increased average check size
- Improved customer flow
- Boosted impulse purchases
- Empowered and knowledgeable employees
Three Common Problems & Their Solutions
1.
I Need New Fixtures.
Solution:
- Custom Fixture Ideas: Collaborate with fabricators to develop tailored solutions.
- Vendor Fixtures: Request vendor-supplied product displays.
- Roll-Out Assistance: Hands-on product resets and guidance for effective implementation.
2.
My Professional Fixtures Do Not Sell My Products.
Solution:
- Merchandising Consulting: Conduct a professional review of operations.
- Right Tool for the Job: Ensure fixtures are suitable for their intended purpose.
- Employee Training: Teach staff how to position products for optimal sales.
3.
Missed Merchandising Opportunities.
Solution:
- On-Site Analysis: Identify and address gaps in merchandising.
- Inventory Solutions: Balance stock levels to avoid overfilling.
- Operations Analysis: Pinpoint underlying operational issues related to merchandising.
Restaurant and retail owners know their business best, but external expertise can uncover overlooked opportunities. Unsure where your merchandising efforts are falling short? Take advantage of our free consultation to identify real problems and implement actionable solutions.