The end of the year always brings a mix of excitement and pressure for brands. New products are lined up, new store priorities are forming and retailers are getting ready to roll into another cycle of updates. This is the perfect moment to step back and make sure your brand is set up to move smoothly into 2026.
A little preparation now goes a long way. The stores that look the strongest in January are always the ones whose brands planned ahead. Here is how to get your brand ready for a clean, confident start to the new year.
Why early preparation matters
Once January hits, everyone is juggling resets, promotions and stock flow. If your brand is not ready, you risk slow launches, inconsistent displays and missed sales during one of the most important trading periods of the year.
Strong planning helps you lock in:
• Faster execution
• Fewer store issues
• Consistent planogram compliance
• Better staff understanding of your range
• A smoother season overall
What your brand should be doing now:
1. Finalise your 2026 planograms early
Planograms that arrive late almost always lead to drift. If you are updating shelf layouts, creating new blocks or introducing new fixtures, aim to have these confirmed as soon as possible. It means merchandisers can be briefed properly and stores know what to expect.
2. Lock in product launches and timelines
If you are introducing new SKUs in early 2026, make sure pack shots, launch dates, stock flow, point of sale and training material are ready. Stores work best when everything arrives together.
3. Review stock availability for Q1
Nothing derails a reset faster than half the range sitting in the reserve. Now is the time to check stock on hand, inbound purchase orders and any risks around availability.
4. Prepare your seasonal strategy
Seasonal product, gifting and promotional displays need clear timelines. If your brand always gets a seasonal bump, plan the stock and point of sale now so stores can execute quickly.
5. Confirm fixture requirements
If new stands, testers, signage or display units are coming in 2026, confirm quantities early. It helps avoid the last minute scramble when freight times are tight and store staff are overloaded.
6. Build training into your plan
A few minutes of education goes a long way. Whether it is beauty advisors in Farmers or the team on the floor in Mitre 10 or Bunnings, early training helps your updates land well. A confident store team sells better.
7. Book your call cycle with your merchandising partner
If your stores need set ups, resets or weekly calls in January or February, secure the time early. Reset season is always busy. Giving your merchandising partner a clear plan helps ensure the right people are in the right stores at the right time.
A simple step by step checklist
Here is a quick guide you can use as you prepare for 2026.
Step 1: Confirm your 2026 planograms and shelf layouts.
Step 2: Check launch readiness for any new SKUs including point of sale, pricing, pack shots and stock.
Step 3: Review expected stock availability for Q1.
Step 4: Lock in your seasonal timelines and required point of sale.
Step 5: Confirm fixtures, testers, stands or signage needs.
Step 6: Prepare training notes or a quick reference guide for store teams.
Step 7: Secure your merchandising call cycle for January and February.
Step 8: Set up your reporting expectations for the year including photos, feedback and insights.
Ready for your 2026 reset?
The brands that stand out next year will be the ones that do the groundwork now. Putting a clear plan in place helps you enter the new season with confidence and keeps your store presence consistent across every channel.
If you would like help with your 2026 resets, new launches or national updates, the VSS team is ready to support you with strategy, execution and ongoing store excellence.
Happy planning.
