How to stock your shelves and set up displays for opening

This is the exciting stage where your empty shop transforms into a real business. Your main goal is to get all your initial stock onto the shelves logically and create promotional displays that will grab attention the moment you open. A well-organised shop not only looks professional but also makes it easier for customers to find what they want, encouraging them to buy.

Receiving Your First Deliveries

Before you can stock the shelves, you need to receive the goods. This can feel chaotic, but a bit of organisation goes a long way. Try to stagger your delivery dates if you can, so you aren't overwhelmed with boxes all at once.

1. Check the Paperwork: As each delivery arrives, have the supplier's delivery note or your purchase order to hand.
2. Count and Inspect: Carefully check that every item on the note has been delivered. Count the quantities and quickly inspect boxes for any obvious signs of damage.
3. Report Issues Immediately: If there are shortages, incorrect items, or damages, contact your supplier straight away while the delivery driver is still there, if possible. Take photos as evidence. It's much harder to resolve these issues later.
4. Organise the Stock: Move the checked-in boxes to a designated area, grouping items by category if you can. This will make the next stage much faster.

From Box to Shelf: Using Your Planogram

Now it's time to fill the empty shelves. Don't just place items randomly; you should be following the planogram you designed earlier. This is your map for where every single product is supposed to live, ensuring your shop layout is logical and maximises sales.

• Work Section by Section: Don't try to do everything at once. Focus on one aisle or one bay of shelving at a time to keep the task manageable.
• Clean As You Go: Give each shelf a quick wipe down before you place products on it. Dust and debris can accumulate during a shop fit.
• Face Up and Front Up: Position products with the labels facing forward. Pull everything to the front edge of the shelf to make it look full and tidy. This is known as 'facing up'.
• Rotate Your Stock: Get into good habits from day one. If you have products with different use-by dates, always place the newest stock at the back and the older stock at the front. This is the 'First-In, First-Out' (FIFO) principle and it helps to minimise waste.

Creating Displays That Sell

Once the main shelves are stocked, you can focus on creating special displays to drive sales of key products.

Your promotional displays are your shop's 'silent salespeople'. They should be used to highlight special offers, new arrivals, or seasonal items.

Here are a few simple tips:

• Location is Key: Use high-traffic areas like the space at the end of an aisle (an 'end cap'), the area near the entrance, or the counter space by the till.
• Have a Clear Theme: Don't just pile up random products. Create a themed display, such as 'Back to School' essentials or a 'Weekend BBQ' selection.
• Use Clear Signage: Make sure the price and the offer are clearly visible. A sign saying 'Special Offer' or 'New Product' can make a huge difference.
• Keep it Full, But Not Cluttered: A well-stocked display looks appealing, but don't overcrowd it. Make it easy for customers to pick up an item without knocking everything else over.