Store lay-out service

Press, 29 August 1984, Page 34

Store lay-out service

A new approach to merchandising will soon be offered to retailers by Sheridan, which manufactures bed fashions. Sheridan is establishing a merchandising division, which will advise on display concepts for its own products, and devise department lay-outs and train counter staff. Sheridan’s New Zealand manager, Mr Peter Mitchell, says the days of selling to retailers and simply hoping the products will move off the floor have long gone. The company’s new division will be headed by Ms Jenny Connolly, and within a few months she will be joined by qualified assistants. Mr Mitchell sees the move as a professional approach to marketing and one which works with success throughout America and Europe. “Most merchandisers in New Zealand just look after their own displays,” he said. “Our people will have the expertise to absorb the requirements of an entire, department and develop an all-embracing well co-ordi-nated in-store display concept which is highly portable. “We will come up with floor plans which will allow the retailer to get the best value out of the space available, while providing the best visual effect. “Rather than just provide a display division, Sheridan is offering people whose primary objective is to assist the retailer to sell off the floor.”

Initially, the company plans to employ two merchandisers in the South Island and one in the North. Ultimately, there will be four people throughout the country.