Artisan Essentials 2025

ARTISAN ESSENTIALS specialityfoodmagazine.com 29 she says. “Give your bestsellers top priority (Christmas cakes, fine wines and bespoke chocolates) and fill the remaining space with items that are eye-catching and profitable. Plus, using trolleys and vertical freestanding shelving units gives you the option to carve out newwalkways or points of interest while optimising your floor space.” “In a sea of competitors, you need to stand out, making your store the go-to choice on every list, whether it contains giftingmust-haves or grocery supplies,” says Caitlyn Smith, product manager at WBC. “With beautiful displays, noteworthy packaging or a vibrant fabric bag, you have the opportunity to give your brand identity extra visibility, creating amemorable impact and ensuring that customers can distinguish you from the crowd.” Plus, be sure to bring in promotions to aid your upselling efforts. “Don’t be shy of promotions,” says Edward Berry of The Flying Fork. “Although you can be sure of higher spend, a well-chosen and costed promotion can provide opportunities to upsell.” “Effective merchandising, especially around checkout areas, canmake your store stand out and boost impulse purchases,” says Will. “Make sure your signage is clear and highlight any seasonal promotional items.” Think beyond floor space While merchandisingmay seem to be an easier task the more space you have, that’s not necessarily the case – all small-scale retailers require is to think vertical and versatile. “Even if retailers are limited in space, they can still make a big impact,” agrees Will. “We designed CrateWall specifically for those who don’t have a huge amount of space to work with. The units can be rearranged however you like. Dismantle andmove around your store as and when you need to.” “Utilise your vertical space further by incorporatingmultifunctional fixtures like metal display stands, tiered shelves or hanging displays. Keep things looking up-to-date and fresh over the Christmas season by rotating stock regularly. Using wooden crates as risers allows you to create a tiered effect on countertops, creating the illusion of evenmore space.” Caitlyn agrees that when space is at a premiumyou should think beyond floor space. “Take advantage of your vertical space by finding display options that can be stacked or built upwards,” EVEN IF RETAILERS ARE LIMITED IN SPACE, THEY CAN STILL MAKE A BIG IMPACT THE DOS AND DON’TS OF MERCHANDISING Caitlyn Smith of WBC shares her need-to-know tips Do: Use clear signage and include prices so that time-pressed shoppers don’t have towaste time asking Create a sense of flow– your walkways should be spacious, allowing customers to navigate your retail space seamlessly Place yourmost popular products at eye level and use your higher and lower shelves for less importantmerchandise or gift packaging Have some lovely personalised fabric bags on sale to encourage a bit of extra shopping Don’t Create displays that are visually overwhelming. There is such a thing as toomuch Make your decormore important than your products. They should be used as support acts rather than themain show Don’t let your shop getmessy – it’s a sureway to put people off