What is Merchandising Service?

One question that is often asked is “What does a merchandising services company do? The simple answer is: the installation and setup just about everything you can see and feel in a retail store while you are shopping.

Every display, sign, fixture, shelf, kiosk, cabinet, checkout and fitting room needs to be installed in a retail environment. Typically it is done by a merchandising services company. We are hired to execute retail merchandising programs that are designed by and for retailers and consumer package goods manufactures.

For example, when a national cell phone retailer launches a new model of phone, they need a company with nationwide reach to install a new display for their latest phones and hang new sales posters and graphics to the walls and windows. Teams of merchandising representatives are sent to each store on a predetermined schedule to perform the work. They are usually in a store for only a few hours but the new merchandising materials are ready for shoppers when they leave.

Another example would be a store remodel. Most large retailers remain in the same location for many years. Periodically, they will give the store a visual merchandising facelift to freshen up the store environment. Store designers and visual merchandisers team up to create an extensive plan to remodel the store. A merchandising services company will come into the store for an extended period of time and remove old fixtures and displays. They will then install all new fixtures and shelving, install new displays and perform a “product set” throughout the store. A product set is the actual placement on the shelf or display according to specific diagram, commonly called a planogram. Once completely executed, the new store will match the design.