Amid subdued retail sales figures, weak consumer confidence and rising prices, Rolf Whiteman, Sales Director at Harrison Retail, believes retailers should prioritise effective shelf management strategies and promotional displays to re-engage hesitant customers, strengthen brand trust and incentivise non-essential purchases.
He said: “The recent uptick in non-essential spending offers promising signs for a post-Covid recovery in terms of sales volume. However, retailers must remain mindful of the current contributing factors and looming economic uncertainty that could stagnate progress. Rising food prices, the influence of summer weather on shopping behaviour and an anticipated tax hike in the upcoming Autumn budget all pose potential risks.
“As such, retailers must ensure they are prepared to adapt to fluctuations in demand and shifts in customer shopping behaviour. Shelf management has established itself as a crucial element of modern retail operations, with high-quality solutions, such as shelf risers, dispenser solutions and T-Rails, enhancing in-store presentation, elevating product visibility and ultimately curating a more compelling shopping experience.
“Promotional displays that employ cross-merchandising strategies by highlighting complementary products can effectively tap into consumer psychology by encouraging customers to make additional purchases or upgrades. When supported with clear in-store communication, such as shelf-edge signage that showcases targeted messaging or discounts, these displays maximise opportunities for customers to engage with both brands and products. Shop floor additions like dump bins and free-standing display units further reinforce these impulse-buying habits, whilst aiding in inventory management, optimising floor space usage, driving sales and strengthening customer engagement.”
Whiteman concluded: “While there are encouraging signs of a non-essential spending recovery, UK retailers continue to face uncertainty as economic pressures influence both operations and consumer spending habits. Capitalising on the uptick in retail sales, retailers must adopt a proactive approach to maintain momentum by prioritising effective shelf management and executing promotional display strategies. By improving in-store presentation, increasing product visibility and driving impulse sales, retailers will exhibit greater resilience in navigating these ongoing pressures.”
