Shelf Wars: Why Excellent Merchandising Wins in a Crowded Retail Landscape
Retail in New Zealand is more competitive than ever. From The Warehouse and Kmart to Chemist Warehouse and Farmers, every shelf is a battleground - and the brands that win are those who show up, look sharp, and stay in stock.
At VSS, we work across major retailers like Farmers, Bargain Chemist, Chemist Warehouse, Bunnings, Mitre 10, Kmart, and The Warehouse. We see firsthand how the right merchandising partner can make the difference between a product that sells and one that gets forgotten.
The Cost of Invisibility
90% of shoppers make buying decisions at the shelf
Even if you've nailed your marketing, if the product’s not there—priced correctly, placed in the right spot, and looking its best—you’ve lost the sale. According to research, 52% of shoppers have walked away from a purchase due to out-of-stock issues.
This is why we’re obsessed with the details:
• Is your product on the shelf?
• Is the shelf tag there?
• Are promotional displays fully set up and correct?
• Does the stand look inviting or neglected?
New Players, More Pressure
With new retailers entering the market and global brands expanding locally, competition is no longer just about price. It’s about visibility, reliability, and execution. We’ve seen new brands come in hard—flooding stores with trial SKUs, sampling, and heavy promotions. Without a reliable merchandising team, established brands risk losing space fast.
Our Field Teams Are Your Front Line
VSS has over two decades of experience navigating New Zealand’s retail landscape. Our merchandisers know how to:
✔ Execute complex planograms in challenging store environments
✔ Troubleshoot stock issues with store teams on the spot
✔ Maintain compliance with promotional timelines
✔ Build trusted relationships with store staff who influence display space
Pricing, Placement, Presence
Pricing errors, missing stock, poor displays—these don’t just affect sales. They affect brand reputation. With more buying decisions made in-store than ever, getting it right the first time is essential.
We don’t just “do the job.” We sweat the small stuff - because that’s where sales are won or lost.
