How Data-Driven Decisions Can Change the Merchandising Game
by Neville Dunn
As the retail industry continues to evolve, guesswork is no longer good enough. What was once driven by instinct and experience is being transformed by data.
From knowing which products to stock to when and where to place them, data-driven decision-making is reshaping the way retailers and brands approach merchandising.
With the right insights at the right time, teams can enhance efficiency, minimise waste, and elevate the customer experience.
In this blog, I dive into how embracing real-time insights, smarter planning, and frontline empowerment can help you achieve a new level of retail performance.
How Merchandising Has Evolved
Merchandising has come a long way from relying solely on instinct and intuition. In the past, product placement decisions were usually made based on experience and historical sales. But today’s merchandising landscape demands something more precise: data.
Modern retailers are turning to tools like point-of-sale (POS) systems, shopper behaviour analytics, and real-time inventory tracking to drive smarter decisions. These technologies can help merchandisers see what’s selling, identify patterns, and improve efficiency.
The Power of Real-Time Data
In merchandising, timing is everything. Real-time data gives retailers and brands the ability to respond quickly before it becomes a problem. With tools like live sales dashboards and inventory feeds, teams can act on what’s happening now.
Smarter product placement and assortment
Not all stores or shoppers are the same, and data can help you unlock that nuance. By analysing sales patterns, foot traffic, and demographic insights, retailers can optimise their assortment strategy to match local preferences.
This means fewer generic planograms and more intentional product placements to help you get the right product in front of the right people.
Forecasting and demand planning
Using data for forecasting can reduce uncertainty and increase your team’s efficiency. With access to historical trends, sell-through rates, and external market signals, merchandising teams can build more accurate demand plans.
This benefits every part of the value chain, helping to increase shopper loyalty and drive sales.
Empower your frontline
Even the best data is only useful if it gets to the people who need it. For Meridian, that means equipping our frontline teams with the insights they need to act.
When merchandisers have access to clear, up-to-date information, they can work more efficiently and deliver better outcomes for your shoppers. This combination of local knowledge and real-time insights creates a competitive advantage that is hard to beat.
The Human-Data Advantage
Data can be powerful. But on its own, it’s just numbers. The real magic happens when you combine data with human insight.
At Meridian, we use data to enhance our people’s skillset. Our teams on the ground have years of experience, knowledge, and practical know-how that can’t be replaced by a dashboard. They understand store dynamics, customer behaviour, and operational nuances that make a difference at the shelf level.
When data is interpreted in isolation, it can lead to the wrong conclusions. But when it’s filtered through the lens of experience, it becomes actionable intelligence.
Stay Ahead with Meridian
When you work in an industry that moves as quickly as retail, data-driven decisions are becoming an essential part of merchandising strategies. But having data is one thing. You also need to know how to use it and have the right people on your team to turn insight into action.
At Meridian, we combine data and technology with our merchandisers’ expertise to help brands and retailers stay ahead. From smarter merchandising strategies to real-time execution on the ground, we ensure your products perform on the shelf.
Reach out to us today to find out how we can help you move from guesswork to growth.