Retail Display Research

How does the display of products in a supermarket vary?

Supermarkets display products in very similar ways regardless of how different their product is. The main goal when displaying a product is always the same. The product needs to stand out in a unique and appealing way for the consumers. Representation of the product needs to be clear and straight to the point. As well as the display being visually appealing and attractive to customers the foundation and design of the display is vital. The display needs to be durable and requires structural integrity while also being suitable for the product in terms of colours.

What does the display say about the products (ie. how are the vegetables displayed and how does this convey an idea about "freshness")?

The display of a product says everything about it, somewhat like a book cover for a book. The store needs to be evidently customized to the product so that the product sits adequately and profoundly in place. The products need to be organized in some sort of pattern which can range from colour, size or design. Seeing products organized like this gives the consumer a sense of value and meaning to the product.

What visual clues are given in a supermarket display to make you feel something about a product (ie. excitement because the product is "new" or to give you an idea about the "quality" or "freshness" of a product)?

Supermarket displays usually advertise something completely new that has not been seen before. Tricking customers into wanting to try this "new" product for the first time. A good example of this would be when Cadbury released their "Vegemite Chocolate". It was new, intriguing and easily assessed through stalls set up around the shop. However, the release of a new product requires some other aspect of advertisement for customers to purchase it. Woolworths did just this with their Vegemite Chocolate, when it was released they brought out a two for one deal which then persuaded customers to buy two blocks of chocolate because "they were already going to try the Vegemite Chocolate".