Visual Merchandising Checklist

Is the store name clear, visible, and well-lit?

Is the address sign or number easily visible to passing pedestrian/car traffic?

Does the store name signage reflect current branding?

Are the store hours up to date and visible?

Is the external store well-lit, including doorways, back lots, and sides (if applicable)?

Is the store exterior clean and free from debris, including no chipping paint, burnt-out bulbs, cracked walkways, scuffs, or graffiti?

Is the landscaping well maintained and compliant with brand standards (if applicable)?

Is the store adequately staffed to keep the exterior clean?

Are sandwich boards in good repair and featuring current promotions (if applicable)?

Are the store exterior windows in good condition and clean?

Do window clings, signage, and banners reflect brand standards, including placement, size, and the current marketing campaign?

Is all window signage in good repair, without fading, tearing, wrinkles, or bubbling?

Do window displays feature the correct campaign and conform to the merchandising planogram and/or brand guidelines?

Are window displays rotated according to the organization’s seasonal calendar and promotional events?

Is window lighting maintained and reflective of brand and marketing standards on featured products?

Is display supporting equipment, such as fixtures, shelving, lighting, mannequins, and props, in good repair and clean?

Are windows well-lit after closing hours to maintain visibility and security?

Are sales floor layouts and positioning compliant with company planograms and branding standards?

Does the store layout facilitate customer traffic flow?

Are aisleways free from debris?

Are flooring displays positioned not to block aisles or customer movement, avoiding tripping hazards?

Are displays and aisles wide enough apart to accommodate strollers and mobility assists?

Are the first 5’ – 15’ open and uncluttered, following best practices?

Are the quantity and types of gondolas, displays, and end caps appropriate for the store size?

Is the layout updated at least yearly to reflect changes in merchandise or customer preferences?

Do staff members have a view of the store from the main counter?

Are potential blind spots identified and managed to ensure overall visibility and security?

Is the store well-lit with no burnt-out bulbs?

Is lighting positioned for maximum impact according to brand standards?

Are key sales floor areas merchandised with new products and high-margin SKUs?

Are key sales floor displays changed at least monthly?

Are all fixtures, floors, walls, windows, and surfaces clean and well-maintained?

Is music playing at an appropriate level?

Is the temperature maintained at an appropriate level?

Is the purpose of each display clear and understandable within 5 seconds or less?

Do all displays have signage, including a call to action?

Are displays neither over nor understocked, allowing customers to interact with products?

Are speed bump displays strategically utilized, featuring new, seasonal, or high-margin SKUs?

Are promotions current and consistent with company directives?

Is cross-merchandising for complementary items implemented effectively?

Are slow-moving SKUs paired with better-performing SKUs where applicable?

Are all displays in "like new" condition, free from damage or wear?

Are bulk floor displays positioned correctly and safely?

Are stand-alone displays maintained and restocked daily?

Are bins or baskets signed with pricing and positioned in hot spot zones?

Is product pricing accurate and visible on all displays?

Do shelves reflect merchandising schedules and planograms, including substitution suggestions?

Are shelves fully stocked but not cluttered?

Is shelving at eye-level merchandised with seasonal or high-margin SKUs?

Are there no product holes?

Is the product easily found and not hidden within the appropriate area?

Is product packaging in good condition, if applicable?

Is the product organized logically by size, color, type, or brand?

Is the number of shelf "facings" appropriate for an optimum number of different SKUs?

Are all products "fronted" correctly, ensuring a neat appearance?

Is the product easily accessible, with heavy or bulky items placed on lower shelves for safety?

Are signage and shelf wobblers used effectively and in good condition to provide additional information or promotions?

Is staffing adequate to ensure that products are restocked completely at regular intervals?

Is the main counter/cash area clean and free of clutter?

Is POS display equipment on the counter appropriate for the cash counter size?

Do POS features include low-ticket, easy-to-grab products?

Is signage attention-grabbing and appropriately sized for the POS area?

Do staff members look professional and are easily identifiable? 

Have staff received adequate product training?

Do staff members possess good customer service and selling skills? 

Are all staff assigned daily housekeeping responsibilities? 

Do all staff members understand the industry and customer needs?

Do staff members demonstrate product knowledge when asked?