Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Flipboard 0 Are you just starting to sell your products in brick and mortar retailers? This can be quite the learning experience for those who are new to the business, and one part of the process is understanding the different terms retailers use when discussing your product. One term that may come up when going over visual merchandising is planogram, but what exactly does it mean? What is a planogram? Planograms, which also go by the abbreviation POGs, are diagrams used by retailers to show how and where merchandise should be displayed throughout the store. Why do retailers use planograms? Space is limited on retailers’ shelves, so it’s important that they carefully plan out how to maximize every inch of their store, which is why planograms come in handy. Not only do these diagrams help retailers manage their space, but they also allow them to plan the best way to appeal to customers who are walking by. Chains also rely on planograms to maintain a consistent image in every store throughout the company. In these companies, planograms are often created at the corporate level and then sent out to individual stores with instructions. Finally, planograms help retailers determine how much inventory they will need of each product. For example, if a retailer plans on displaying a new product on a large table in the front of the store, buyers should know to purchase more of these items than the products hidden on one of the back shelves. Do suppliers get to contribute to planograms? Larger suppliers are allowed to give input into the planogram design to ensure their product is displayed in a way that is consistent with their brand’s image. However, don’t expect to be given this privilege when you are just starting out in the industry. In the beginning, you will probably have very little say as to where you are being placed in the store and what displays and signage will be used to draw customers in. If you are selling to a retailer for the first time, ask for a copy of their planogram that shows where your item will be included. Although a retailer may not ask for input, manufacturers’ representatives can always create their own version of the planogram that shows the retailer ideas on how they would like their product displayed. If you have an idea to pair your product with another complementary item carried in store, use the planogram to show retailers how the items could be displayed together to grab customers’ attention. There’s no guarantee the retailer will take your advice, but it doesn’t hurt to show you are always thinking of how to increase their sales. A planogram may seem complicated, but just think of it as a map of the visual merchandising for each retailer. Most planograms will come with detailed instructions on the first page that will help you understand the diagrams, so even if this is your first time working with a retailer, you shouldn’t have any trouble deciphering a planogram. Twitter Tweet Facebook Share Email This article was written for Business 2 Community by Connor Brooke.Learn how to publish your content on B2C Author: Connor Brooke Connor is a Scottish financial expert, specialising in wealth management and equity investing. Based in Glasgow, Connor writes full-time for a wide selection of financial websites, whilst also providing startup consulting to small businesses. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, and a Master’s degree in Investment Fund Management, Connor has … View full profile ›More by this author:ACH Crypto Price Prediction 2022 – Is it a Buy?Lucky Block Partners with Dillian Whyte ahead of Heavyweight Showdown with Tyson FuryNFT Pixel Art – The Best NFT Collections for 2022