The True Value of Each Square Foot of Space in Your Store
When was the last time you asked yourself if you’re really getting the most out of every inch of space in your store? Maximizing sales per square foot is critical, but you have to do it in a way that enhances customer experience and doesn’t create a cluttered appearance that can turn off your customers. Here’s how you can start to realize the true value of each square foot in your store.
Measuring Sales Per Square Foot
You can measure retail sales per square foot by dividing total store sales by the square footage of the selling area (exclude non-selling areas like the stock room, office, etc.). For the sake of using round numbers, let’s say a store sold $2 million in a 2,000 square foot space. The formula would look like this:
$2,000,000 / 2,000 = $1,000 per square foot.
If your own numbers seem low, there are some strategies you can use to boost that number.
Optimize Store Layout
To get the most out of every inch of your selling area, you must optimize your store layout. First and foremost, the store must be clean and tidy, the shelves must be organized and customers should be able to find what they need without searching too hard.
Ensure that your best products are in places where customers can actually see them. While you want to make use of floor displays, you don’t want things poking out at customers while they are moving around. If a fixture or stand is in the way, the customer is more likely to be annoyed by it than intrigued by it. Fill the space, but don’t clutter it.
Merchandise Like a Pro
Where and how you place products can make a huge difference in your sales. Consider placing indulgent items next to less-indulgent items to provide contrast and options and create something of a “halo” effect on the healthier item. You can even appeal to shoppers’ desire to both indulge and make healthy choices by offering deals if a customer purchases one of each, thus moving two products at once.
Make sure that items with the best margins are always at eye level. If a customer has to look too far up to see it, or if they have to crouch down to find it, you’ll miss out on big dollars. Be sure that all shelves and displays are strategically configured so that the items you want to move are easy for customers to spot.
Be sure that all of your displays are attractive, and that signage is bright, clear and concise. Signs can help catch attention and move shoppers through the store, but too many signs or too much information jammed into signage can lead to information overload. It is imperative to strike the right balance.
Offer Products Your Customers Actually Want to Buy
Don’t waste floor or shelf space on products that are not selling. Items that don’t move are costing you revenue and profit every hour of every day. Make sure you’re not only studying your sales numbers, but that you are keeping up with your customers’ changing tastes and preferences.
Are you looking to partner with a company that understands your product needs?
If you are looking for innovative new products and merchandising strategies that will help you get the most sales per square foot for your grocery or convenience store, the team at Mister Snacks can help. We work with C-stores and other retailers across the country, helping them choose items that will drive sales and boost margins. Contact us to begin increasing your sales per square foot today.