Strategies_Fall2025

BLISH-MIZE INSIDE

Data-Driven Display Strategy In 2002, North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) conducted its landmark Merchandising for Profit Study and then repeated it again in 2016. The purpose of the study was to quantify the sales lift generated by different merchandising techniques. The study works with retailers across the country to test the effectiveness of a variety of merchandising techniques including: • Endcaps • Dump bins (both permanent and manufacturer-supplied) • Clip strips • Bulk stack-out displays • Countertop displays (for both service counters and checkout) • Sidekick displays (also known as sidewinders) These time-tested techniques make up the core of your store’s promotional merchandising system, and when done effectively, can accentuate your strength as an independent, communicating to customers that you have curated a meaningful assortment specific to the needs of your customer in your specific trading area.

Merchandising can also help soften a high-price image that, right or wrong, consumers typically associate with independent stores. Methodology and Results The 2025 Merchandising for Profit Study was conducted using the same methodology as previous merchandising studies. For the study, NHPA selected products that lent themselves to the technique being tested and were commonly stocked in hardware stores and home centers. Retailers agreed to leave the items stocked in their in-aisle position, but also stock the product using the featured merchandising technique. Sales were monitored during a 30-day period following the remerchandising. Sales at a similar “control” store for each retailer were also recorded during the same period. The results from test stores and control stores were then compared and reported.

THE RESULTING SALES LIFT

Permanent Dump Bins

2025 55.8%

2016 86%

2002 197%

Product Tested: Duct Tape While the impact didn’t register as highly as the past two studies, these merchandisers are still delivering a solid sales lift. The portability and familiarity with customers for delivering bargain merchandise make them ideal for impulse sales.

Power Aisle Stack Out

2025 150%

2016 114%

2002 98%

Product Tested: Trash Cans Power aisle stack-out displays delivered greater results than in the past two versions of the study. These work best with a single SKU (larger items) that can be bulk stacked and placed in strategic locations throughout the store.

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