Small businesses in vendor stores face unique challenges when it comes to merchandising. With limited space and resources, every square inch of your space counts. To make the most of your space and maximize sales, it's essential to use strategic merchandising techniques. In this post, we'll explore four key strategies that are effective for small businesses in vendor stores!

1. Add Height
When space is limited, it's essential to think vertically. Utilize shelving, display stands, and fixtures to add height to your retail space. We often stack small tables we find at thrift and antique stores on top of our base tables to achieve this effect. Vertical displays draw the eye upward, making your space feel more impactful and visually interesting. Use varying heights to create depth and dimension, allowing customers to explore your merchandise from different angles. Also, use tall fixtures to showcase seasonal or promotional items, further enticing customers to browse and buy.
2. Prioritize Your Best Sellers
In a small vendor space, every product must earn its keep. Identify your best-selling items—the products that consistently fly off the shelves—and give them prime real estate within your space. Place these items at eye level or in a prominent area within your display to capture the attention of customers. By highlighting your top performers, you not only increase their visibility but also maximize their sales potential. We recently worked with a candle vendor to use a huge wooden dough bowl at the front of her table to hold all of her best selling wax melts. These were placed in front of all of her candles so customers could easily grab their favorite scent.
3. Utilize Floor Space
While vertical displays are crucial, don't overlook the potential of the floor surrounding your space. We never like to put merchandise directly on the floor but instead use crates and baskets to display extra products under and around table and wall spaces. This makes your section look nice and full and creates additional layers and interest. By optimizing your floor space, you can maximize the amount of product you have to sell. And, these kinds of fixtures don't have to cost a lot! We would avoid buying crates and baskets from big box stores and instead go picking at your local thrift and antique store for unique pieces at significantly lower prices.
4. You Can't Sell What You Don't Have Out
One of the cardinal rules of merchandising is to keep your shelves stocked and your displays full. Empty shelves or sparse displays give the impression of a lackluster selection and can deter customers from making purchases. Regularly monitor your inventory levels and restock shelves promptly to ensure that products are always available for purchase. If you only have $100 worth of inventory in your space, you can only sell $100! So don’t hold back when it comes to creating a robust space.
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Putting It All Together
Merchandising is both an art and a science, and for small businesses in a vendor store, it's a critical component of success. By prioritizing your best sellers, adding height to your displays, utilizing floor space effectively, and ensuring that products are always available, you can maximize the impact of your retail space, drive sales and increase profits. In a retail store, every detail counts, and by implementing these strategies, you can create a shopping experience that makes your small business stand out!
Real Examples from Real Small Businesses
It's always helpful to see merchandising in action! Here's a few examples from our newest location in Asheboro, North Carolina. Also, check out our Instagram page for more merchandising videos.
Top Row (From Left to Right): Nairi Handmade Jewelry, Jalex Designs, Sweet Delights NC
Bottom Rom (From Left to Right): Luxenberry, The Dutch Kettle, Pocokins

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