IRI Times and Trends - Grocery Merchandising Activity

The number of displays in grocery stores continues to decline as “clean-floor” policies and a greater focus on fresh foods take hold. At mid-year, displays were down 4.4% versus last year and 9.1% versus two years ago.

Even the most heavily-displayed, expandable consumable categories have been hit by this trend, with eight of the top ten experiencing declines this year. Salty snacks and bottled water held onto displays.

As grocers continue to transform the shopping environment, display availability will continue to shrink, and retailers will increasingly tie display opportunities to overall store growth strategies.

Source: IRI In-Store Solutions Group Perimeter View YTD thru 6/17/07