Standards of merchandising can say very much about a store and how it will be perceived by customers. It may also be argued that excellent standards of merchandising contribute to sales growth. This workshop helps participants to look at ways in which they can improve the merchandising standards in their store.
Date: Tuesday, 21st October 2025
Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Cost: HAI Members: €135; Non Members: €185
Further Recommended Learning:
Stock Control
Maximising Profit and Managing Credit
Smarter Business with AI
This was a brilliant work shop and we took some really good points from it. One of the best I’ve attended.
Learning Objectives
This workshop helps participants to put greater emphasis on the execution of merchandising standards within their stores, leading to improved standards and sales growth.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is tailored towards the owner/managers of hardware retail stores, builders merchants or agri-stores who are looking to improve and enhance their merchandising efforts.
Course Content
- What is Merchandising?
- Why is it important to our business?
- Planning the use of space
- What are the different types of space available in your store?
- Prime space (e.g. entrance)
- Secondary space (e.g. the aisles in a store)
- Hidden or difficult space (e.g. under-stairs and other nooks and crannies)
- Service space (e.g. counter / checkout)
- Traffic Flow
- What direction do Customers take in your store?
- Are you aware of traffic flow?
- What affects might it have, in your store?
- Shelf Merchandising – Different Styles:
- Vertical;
- Horizontal;
- Blocks, etc.
- Feature Displays
- Visual Merchandising
- Tips and tricks to make the Customer STOP and LOOK!
- Examples of Good & Bad Merchandising – open discussion
- Exercise – (if photos are shared by stores prior to workshop):
- Review shared photos;
- Have participants suggest changes
- Focus on changes that can have a solid impact;
- Feedback session
- What direction do Customers take in your store?
- What are the different types of space available in your store?
Methodology
This Zoom-based session comprises theory and discussion-based presentations led by the course tutor.
To book your place please complete the form below. For more information please contact Aoife at aoife@hardwareassociation.ie or 01 2980969.
About the Trainer
Originally from Bantry James spent over 23 years in the FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) sector, the majority in Superquinn (now part of the SuperValu group), James is now Ireland’s leading consultant within the retail sector. He was also appointed to the Board of Superquinn during his career there.
In his current role as business consultant and training facilitator, James provides strategic advice and business planning for some of Ireland’s best-known retailers. He has an extensive knowledge of the hardware, builders’ providers and DIY sectors.
He is a regular contributor on retail topics for The Sunday Times, RTE Radio One, Newstalk, etc. He holds an MBA in Retailing and Wholesaling from the University of Stirling in Scotland.