The importance of retail merchandising

In today's competitive retail environment a retailer cannot afford to consider merchandising as a 'frill'. Everyone is competing for the customers' dollar. There are more choices out there for consumers than ever before. With all these choices, what will grab the consumer's attention? You've invested the money to get that expensive, high traffic location, but how will you keep the customers from walking right by your door? How will you encourage them to return? What is unique about your store? After investing money on the important priorities such as merchandise, great location, part-time staff, insurance, accountant, advertising, your carefully budgeted money can be lost if your store doesn't measure up to the customers' expectations.

Merchandising is more than simply the arrangement of products on the shelf. It is an integral component of the business image. It should be considered when you design your logo, business cards, brochures, letterhead, packaging, and product mix.

Source: http://www.sideroad.com/Retail_Services