When people think of merchandising, they often picture tidy shelves, perfect planograms, and products facing forward. While that is true, there is another side to what merchandisers do that often goes unnoticed. They are also frontline data collectors, quietly feeding brands with information that can shape forecasting, strategy, and sales.
Seeing What Shoppers See
Our teams are not just placing stock. They are in stores every day, noticing what is selling through, which ranges are slow to move, and how promotions land in the real world. A shelf that is consistently empty of a hero SKU tells a bigger story than just “stock out.” It points to demand, distribution gaps, or even forecasting issues at head office.
Competitor Watchdogs
Merchandisers are often the first to spot competitor changes. A new packaging design, a competitor’s product taking extra space, or a last-minute promotion landing in the same aisle are the details that can make or break a sales strategy. By reporting back, our teams help brands stay one step ahead, instead of playing catch-up months later.
Data That Powers Decisions
Photos, notes, and call reports are not just for compliance. They create a valuable dataset that brands can use for planning. When pulled together, this on-the-ground information can highlight seasonal trends, uncover regional differences, and give context to the numbers coming from sales reports. It turns everyday store visits into insights that directly feed into demand planning and forecasting.
The VSS Difference
At VSS, we have always said merchandising is about more than stock on shelves. With our reporting systems, clients do not just see what is happening today, they get a clear picture that helps them plan for tomorrow. Our merchandisers are influencers, troubleshooters, and data collectors all rolled into one. That is how we help brands turn what is happening on the shop floor into smarter business decisions.
