Retail Details: The Importance of Floor Moves

If you work in retail, you've probably done a floor move or two. You've also probably wondered why your company insists on paying you to move things in circles. You may even get frustrated at having to move things you just moved the week before. Well, let me assure you, there is a method to the madness. So, if you're a retail associate or even a small store owner, read on to find out why moving stuff around is actually pretty important.

Floor moves create new experiences for guests and that leads to increased sales. I'm sure you've seen it happen. There's a cute little tchotchke tucked away in the corner of the store. No one is buying it. In fact no one seems to even know it exists. You do a floor move and suddenly everyone that comes in the store thinks the tchotchke is brand new and the cutest little thing in the world. The tchotchke is now your biggest selling item for the week and you can't figure out why. It's the floor move that did it. When you move merchandise to a new location, it's portrayed in a whole new light. It's sitting next to something different, at a different angle, under different lighting. The unnoticed products are now the star of the show. Guests that have overlooked them before, now see and buy these items. Thats why moving things around is so important. It keeps things from getting stale and it gives every product a chance to shine and, more importantly, sell.

Floor moves consolidate old merchandise and make room for new products. As sell-through occurs, it's important to keep displays looking good. Sometimes the merchandise you have left in a certain location just doesn't quite fit anymore. A floor move gives you the chance to reorganize what's left and make room for new merchandise. That's especially important for seasonal items. Floor moves for holiday merchandise happen more frequently in order to keep this short-lived and quick selling inventory looking its best.

Floor moves ensure a cleaner store. Presentation is everything. You don't want your guests picking up items covered in dust or seeing lint balls under racks of apparel. A floor move is the perfect opportunity to clean things up. Once everything is moved to a cart, it's easy to clean shelves and tables and to sweep up the floor before you set new items.

Floor moves prevent shrinkage. If you don't know already, shrinkage is the difference between what your inventory says you have of a product and what you actually have on hand. Shrink typically results from damage and theft. Floor moves can help prevent shrink from damage. How? They give you the opportunity to inspect products and make sure any damages are written off properly. You also have the chance to find any mislabeled products and correct the tags so that they are rung up correctly when purchased.

So, the next time you're asked to move a display from one corner of the store to another, remember that what you're doing is really very important for business. And, if you're a store owner who has never used floor moves, consider adding them to your regular duties. You're sure to see an increase in sales and guest satisfaction.