Merchandising: To Theme or Not to Theme?

Skip the Obvious First Answer, and Then Go Deeper

When looking for creative theme ideas, collaborate with staff members outside of merchandising (e.g., marketing, customer service, creative). Ask them to help you see your bestsellers in new ways. Challenge them to skip the first natural grouping area and probe for the second and third best ideas. These could lead to some surprising and unexpected themes that just might make your customers stop on the spread and buy.