In-store execution can make or break a brand’s presence at retail. But what happens when your third-party merchandising partner becomes more of a liability than an asset? If you’ve been experiencing recurring issues with execution quality, communication, or visibility, it might be time to reevaluate your current vendor relationship. Here are five critical signs it’s time to make a change.
If planograms are going unfulfilled, displays are late, or resets are done inconsistently, that’s a red flag. In-store execution should never be a guessing game. When execution issues start affecting sales or your relationship with retailers, it’s time to consider a vendor with a track record of consistency and accountability.
Do you know what’s happening in the field? Can you see photo evidence, real-time dashboards, or post-execution summaries? If not, you’re flying blind. A lack of visibility into execution is a dealbreaker in today’s data-driven environment.
A good vendor proactively communicates project updates, challenges, and outcomes. If you find yourself chasing your merchandising partner for updates or clarification, you’re spending time and energy they should be saving you.
Poor execution costs money—period. Whether it’s missed sales, lost promotional opportunities, or non-compliance fines, your current vendor could be draining your budget without delivering value in return.
As your footprint expands, your merchandising needs will grow in complexity and scale. If your current vendor struggles to support multi-region or national campaigns, you’re already outgrowing them.
Closing: Switching vendors may seem daunting, but sticking with the wrong one is even riskier. If any of these signs feel familiar, it’s time to explore a partner who aligns with your goals, your growth, and your standards. At InStore Group, we specialize in seamless vendor transitions and execution that delivers.
Ready to see what better execution looks like? Schedule your free merchandising audit today.