In-store merchandising has reached a defining moment. As the entire country
struggles against unprecedented economic pressures, consumer shopping habits are
shifting drastically. The time to reach the consumer is now, and the CPG
industry is poised to play. Several years ago, CPG marketers realized that
creating an enhanced shopper experience is an effective consumer draw.
Brighter lights, new product assortments, and wider, uncluttered aisles are
just a few examples of these efforts. For consumers, it meant easier-to-navigate
aisles. For CPG marketers, it meant escalating competition for diminishing
display space.
Then came the latest economic struggle. Consumer confidence has taken a major
hit: gas, energy and food prices have all risen dramatically. Belts have been
tightened to the breaking point. Value is now, more than ever before, at the
forefront of the consumer decision-making process. While an affordable product
mix is paramount to the value equation, merchandising is also a critical lever.