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IT'S TIME TO BE SHELF-ISH

PLOVER, Wis. -- The National Association for Retail Merchandising Services surveys its members each year to help them and their manufacturer and retail partners better understand the dynamics of the go-to-market system. 's report includes a number of new indices that focus on merchandiser experience, length of service and methods of payment that merchandisers receive when performing services for the

PLOVER, Wis. -- The National Association for Retail Merchandising Services surveys its members each year to help them and their manufacturer and retail partners better understand the dynamics of the go-to-market system.

's report includes a number of new indices that focus on merchandiser experience, length of service and methods of payment that merchandisers receive when performing services for the industry.

The indices are beneficial to manufacturers in that they can provide an understanding of the MSO expertise, said Gary Ebben, president and executive director, NARMS.

"For manufacturers, the benchmarks assist in setting expectations for performance and project completion," Ebben said.

Following are some of the key findings:

ELECTRONIC DATA COLLECTION

Electronic data collection is growing. Most respondents (66%) said they used this method in 2001, up from 59% in 2000. Of those who are, 45% have Interactive Voice Response systems, while 28% use handheld laptops.

MSOs are also relying more heavily on the Internet. Half of the respondents reported the ability to post client reports on their company's Web site.

"There's a big movement toward electronic information," said Ralph Bartolotta, chairman, NARMS.

TYPE OF WORK

MSOs engage in two types of work: projects and continuity. Projects PROJECT PROJECT COMPLETION RATES

Ninety-three percent of MSO executives said they complete assignments on-time at least 91% of the time, with the majority (7 out of 10) saying they meet or exceed project deadlines more than 96% of the time. In 2000, 91% of respondents reported at least 91% completion rates.

CONTINUITY COMPLETION RATES

Nine out of 10 MSO executives said they complete continuity assignments on-time 91% of the time, and the majority (64%) said they meet or exceed deadlines more than 96% of the time.

LEAD-TIME

For major projects involving 100 or more stores, the majority of MSO executives (63%) said they require two to four weeks lead-time, while 19% said one week is enough, and another 19% said four or more weeks.

ADVANCE PAYMENT PRACTICES

Forty-two percent of respondents are now collecting payments via electronic fund transfers.

INDUSTRY GROWTH

12% of respondents reported company growth from 0 to 5%.

12% saw growth from 6% to 10%.

18% were growing 11% to 20%.

32% saw growth from 21% to 50%.

The remaining 6% of NARMS members reported no growth or negative growth.

PARTNERSHIPS

In response to industry growth, MSOs are beginning to partner with each other. Among MSO executives who have entered such alliances, 38% did so to increase their area of coverage; 42% to supplement their current workforce, and 20% to broaden their expertise in specific channels and retail chains.