Ever wondered what it’s really like behind those tidy, perfectly presented shelves?
At VSS, our merchandisers are the quiet force that keeps retail running smoothly. Every display you see looking its best, every new launch perfectly executed, every empty gap quickly filled, there’s a VSS team member making it happen.
The Start of the Day
Most days begin early, with coffee in hand and a call plan ready. Routes are mapped out carefully to cover a mix of stores, from large format retailers to smaller independent outlets. Each store has its own personality, layout quirks, and team dynamic, and our merchandisers adapt quickly to fit right in.
Before walking through the doors, they’ve already checked their notes, planograms, and any brand updates. New POS arriving? Change in bay layout? Price labels missing? It’s all logged before the first shelf is touched.
The Reality on the Floor
Once in-store, it’s about problem solving. Sometimes the stock hasn’t landed yet, sometimes the space promised isn’t available, or another brand’s stand has been shifted into the wrong position. That’s where experience counts. Our team doesn’t just flag the problem, they fix it.
They find the missing cartons in reserve, work with store staff to free up the correct space, rebuild a bay from scratch if needed, and still make it look effortless. It’s not just physical work; it’s diplomacy, persistence, and attention to detail all in one.
Talking, Training and Building Brand Love
A big part of every visit happens outside the shelves; it’s the conversations. Our merchandisers take the time to chat with store staff, pass on product knowledge, and share what’s new or trending.
It’s these moments that build relationships and keep brands top of mind when a customer asks, “What do you recommend?”
From quick one-minute refreshers on a hero product to full training sessions with beauty or pharmacy teams, we make sure your brand is understood and talked about. The goal is simple: when shoppers ask for advice, your brand is the one confidently recommended on the store floor.
Small Wins That Add Up
Every store visit is a mix of wins and challenges. A perfect new range launch in one store, a last-minute stock arrival in another, a creative solution to an out-of-stock display. Each fix might seem small, but together they keep sales flowing and brands looking sharp.
Our merchandisers often become the trusted “go-to” people for store teams, the ones who know where things are, what’s coming next, and how to make the shelves look their best.
The Drive Between Calls
The car becomes an office on wheels. Photos are uploaded, reports are submitted through the VSS portal, and notes are made for the next stop. By the time the day wraps up, dozens of products have been touched, tweaked, restocked, and made ready for shoppers to discover.
Why It Matters
When customers walk into a store, they see a display. We see hours of planning, teamwork, training, and skilled execution behind that display. That’s what makes our merchandisers different, they understand that the details matter, because every detail tells a brand’s story.
At VSS, we’re proud of our team in the field. They don’t just visit stores; they protect the brand, represent our clients, and make retail magic happen every single day.