Crafting a Strategic Merchandising Line: Definition, Components, and Success Tips

With a substantial 65 percent of retail sales occurring on impulse, the checkout line becomes a golden opportunity for capturing those last-minute, spur-of-the-moment purchases through in-line merchandising. The beauty of in-line merchandising systems lies in their adaptability, offering a swift and effortless avenue for additions, rearrangements, or reconfigurations based on stock availability, seasonal shifts, or even the day of the week.

merchandising line definition

In Line Merchandise refers to the current merchandise stocked by a retailer in a significant number of its TSA (Trading Area) stores. This includes products that are regularly available to customers, excluding items like test merchandise, markdowns, closeouts, and special makeups. Additionally, it encompasses merchandise that the retailer plans to introduce in a substantial number of its TSA stores in the near future. This category may also include items from the same vendors that closely relate to the existing merchandise and are accessible to the retailer, even if they are not currently part of its TSA store inventory.

Six Essential Components of Dynamic In-Line Merchandising

Here, we unveil the six integral components of an in-line merchandising system, a versatile toolkit ready to showcase merchandise, amplify marketing efforts, bolster branding, and more. Seize the power of in-line merchandising to enhance your retail experience and drive those impulse buys.

1- Merchandisers & Display Panels

Elevate your branding and merchandising game with grid walls, slat walls, and display panels that set the stage within the queue. Consider these elements as the solid foundation upon which your merchandising system will flourish.

2- Signage and Branding

Transform your queue into an immersive experience with signage that goes beyond the ordinary. From sleek price tag signs to vibrant panel billboards or dynamic video screens, your queue can become a canvas for information, education, and entertainment. Capture your customer’s attention and guide them seamlessly through your offerings.

3- Rigid Rail Queuing Barricade

Modernize your queue management with sleek rigid rails that not only define spaces but also serve as dynamic signage and branding platforms. Integrate acrylic panels or printed sintra for translucent branding or eye-catching advertising, adding a touch of sophistication to the customer journey.

4- Hooks, Baskets, Shelves, Racks, and Bowls

Versatility is key in queue merchandising. Whether it’s snacks, gift cards, or larger items like books and magazines, the extensive range of hooks, baskets, shelves, racks, and bowls ensures effective and eye-catching displays for almost any merchandise plan.

5- In-Line Tables

Turn waiting into a productive and seamless experience for your customers with strategically placed in-line tables. These sleek and functional tables provide spaces for paperwork or other activities, optimizing customer queue flow. Enhance customer engagement and even boost in-store sign-ups for credit cards, discount cards, or promotions.

6- Upright Merchandiser Posts

Experience flexibility like never before with upright merchandiser posts featuring dovetail grooves. Quickly attach or detach components to adjust the queue’s length, highlight specific sections, or accommodate tall banners and signage. Explore the potential of these six in-line merchandising components by consulting with a Lavi expert today. Transform your existing queues into efficient and captivating spaces.

Line Planning Meaning

Line planning is a meticulous process primarily coordinated by the merchandising team, with input from design and sourcing teams. The objective is to ensure that retailers offer the right mix of products to meet customer demand and achieve sales targets. This involves crafting a product assortment plan that outlines categories, styles, colors, and sizes for a specific season or time frame.

The groundwork for line planning begins with the Merchandise Financial Plan (MFP), where the merchandising team determines the Open-to-Buy (OTB) budget. These interconnected processes unfold across various systems, tools, and spreadsheets.

Traditionally, line planning incorporates a range of notations on foam core boards, notepads, and sticky notes. This manual approach is complemented by data from Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, spreadsheets, and Business Process Framework (BPF) tools. The process also involves the manual management of physical samples and swatches.

Merchandising Line example

Here are examples of product lines for Starbucks and Nike:

Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX):

• Coffee Line:
  • Sub-Product Line:
    • Espresso
    • Brewed Coffee
    • Specialty Drinks
• Tea Line:
  • Sub-Product Lines:
    • Hot Teas
    • Iced Teas
    • Tea Lattes
• Snacks Line:
  • Sub-Product Lines:
    • Pastries
    • Sandwiches
    • Protein Boxes

Nike (NYSE: NKE):

• Basketball Line:
  • Sub-Product Lines:
    • Basketball Shoes
    • Basketball Apparel
    • Basketball Accessories
• Soccer Line:
  • Sub-Product Lines:
    • Soccer Cleats
    • Soccer Jerseys
    • Soccer Equipment
• Golf Line:
  • Sub-Product Lines:
    • Golf Shoes
    • Golf Apparel
    • Golf Accessories

Each of these product lines represents a category of items related to a specific theme or activity, and within each product line, there are sub-product lines that further categorize the products based on specific attributes or usage.

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