Block display of goods: an effective visual merchandising technique
No matter how much technology evolves in retail, shelf layout still plays a key role in customer decision-making.
How the sales floor is organised and how logically the assortment is structured affects not only navigation but also final sales. Put simply: what the customer sees, they are more likely to buy.
How the sales floor is organised and how logically the assortment is structured affects not only navigation but also final sales. Put simply: what the customer sees, they are more likely to buy.
One of the most effective visual merchandising techniques is block merchandising. It’s not a passing trend, but a proven approach that helps customers navigate the space more easily and find what they need—while helping retailers boost turnover and shelf efficiency.
Why does block merchandising work? How should it be used properly? What common mistakes do even experienced retail chains make?
In this article, we’ll explore how the “by blocks” principle works, when it actually boosts sales, and how to implement it in-store—without added chaos or overload.
Block merchandising is a method of organising products in-store by grouping them into clear, visually distinct blocks based on category, type, or brand. Each block is easy for the customer to read and helps them quickly identify where to find what they need.
Put simply: it’s when an entire shelf or section “speaks” about one thing—such as only milk, only yoghurts, or only products from a single brand. The customer doesn’t have to scan the shelf trying to make sense of it—the logic is already there, working in their favour.
What is block display of goods: its key tasks and advantages
Real-life example
You walk into a supermarket and head to the dairy section. In front of you:
You walk into a supermarket and head to the dairy section. In front of you:
- one clear block with various types of milk;
- next to it — a separate block of yoghurts;
- a bit further — a group of cottage cheese and desserts;
This kind of presentation makes choosing easier, faster, and more comfortable. It also strengthens the perception of the category or brand, boosts sales, and helps retailers manage the assortment more effectively.
Block merchandising isn’t just about making shelves look attractive. It’s a tool that solves several key challenges on the shop floor. And, importantly, it brings equal value to the customer, the merchandiser, and the business as a whole.
1. Stress-free navigation
When products are arranged in blocks, it’s easier for customers to navigate. They don’t waste time searching for the right category—they instantly pick up on the logic of the layout. This is especially important for frequent, routine purchases like dairy products, household goods, or baby food.
2. Stronger brand or category perception
A solid block of similar products creates a stronger visual impact. Brands displayed in blocks are more memorable. Categories feel like a complete, curated offering rather than a random collection of SKUs.
The “abundance effect” works in your favour—customers feel there’s more choice, even if the actual SKU count is relatively small.
The “abundance effect” works in your favour—customers feel there’s more choice, even if the actual SKU count is relatively small.
3. Increase in impulse purchases
Grouping products encourages customers to pick up not just what they planned, but also what catches their eye within the block. It taps into the mindset of: “Since I’m here—I’ll grab this too.”
This works especially well in categories with flavour options or new items—like yoghurts, drinks, and snacks.
This works especially well in categories with flavour options or new items—like yoghurts, drinks, and snacks.
4. Easier shelf management for staff
It’s simpler for merchandisers to manage a block than scattered individual items.
They can clearly see the boundaries of the section, track stock more easily, spot gaps faster, and restock more efficiently. This is especially helpful when the assortment changes frequently or during promotional periods.
They can clearly see the boundaries of the section, track stock more easily, spot gaps faster, and restock more efficiently. This is especially helpful when the assortment changes frequently or during promotional periods.
5. Compatibility with planograms and digital tools
Block logic aligns well with digital planograms. It enables automated product placement, speeds up layout updates, and helps teams more effectively monitor compliance with merchandising standards.
Total: block layout is all about structure, navigation, and visual order — elements that directly influence how a store is perceived and help drive sales.
Block layout is a versatile tool, but it proves especially effective in a number of specific situations. It’s not just about “visual neatness” — it’s a practical solution for organising retail spaces that feature a wide range of items. Below are the most common and justified scenarios for its use.
When and where block layout works best
The greater the choice, the higher the risk that the customer gets confused. Block layout helps structure the shelf logically by subcategories, avoiding visual clutter.
Examples:
– dairy products (milk, yoghurts, cottage cheese, desserts);
– juices and beverages;
– laundry and cleaning products;
– confectionery (biscuits, bars, sweets);
– dairy products (milk, yoghurts, cottage cheese, desserts);
– juices and beverages;
– laundry and cleaning products;
– confectionery (biscuits, bars, sweets);
Categories with a wide assortment
When a customer needs to decide between options — such as volume, flavour, or price — block layout makes comparison easier. This is especially relevant in categories with frequent rotational demand.
Example: a coffee range grouped by roast level or packaging format (beans, ground, capsules)
Where it’s important to highlight the logic of choice
When launching new products and promotions
A new item placed “inside the block” can go unnoticed. But a separate promo block or a mini-group at the shelf end draws attention: “Look, this is something new.” It’s a powerful tool for sparking interest and encouraging trial purchases.
For branded zones
If you’re working with strong brands, block layout helps create a “zone of influence.” A brand presented in a compact, visually rich block is perceived more clearly, enhancing loyalty and the sense of a complete offering.
In seasonal displays
Temporary zones — like summer drink ranges or Christmas sweets — are almost always arranged in blocks. This creates the right emphasis and helps the customer instantly recognise that the products are timely and worth picking up now.
Block layout is especially effective where similar products compete for attention on the shelf. It creates structure, eliminates chaos, and guides the customer — showing where to look and what to choose.
To make block layout truly effective — rather than just a “visual compromise” — it’s important to follow a few simple yet crucial principles. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to build shelf blocks that are practical, visually appealing, and commercially effective.
How to organise a block layout properly
The key feature of a good block layout is clear structure. Products from the same subcategory or brand should be visually separated from others.
The main thing is to make sure the customer can see where the logic begins and ends.
Use tools such as:
– planograms
– price tags with backing
– shelf talkers
– background or strip colour zoning
– planograms
– price tags with backing
– shelf talkers
– background or strip colour zoning
Clearly define the block’s boundaries
There are two main ways to arrange a block:
- Vertical — products are placed in a column from top to bottom (e.g. by type: regular milk → lactose-free → plant-based).
- Horizontal — the block stretches from left to right, for example: 0.5L milk → 1L → 1.5L.
The choice depends on the available space and customer behaviour. What matters most is that the entire range is grouped together, not scattered.
Decide: vertical or horizontal
All packaging should be front-facing towards the customer. Within the block, it’s best to arrange products in order:
- from basic to premium;
- from smaller volumes to larger;
- from core items to specialised ones;
This helps guide the customer through a logical flow of choices without confusion.
Face forward — and follow a hierarchy
An underfilled or partially empty block sends the message that “something’s wrong.” It disrupts the sense of abundance and can put customers off.
- Restock regularly
- Avoid gaps between products
- Redistribute items in case of shortages to maintain the block’s overall look
Keep the block fully stocked
It’s not just about placing the product — it’s about considering how it will be seen from 1.5–2 metres away.
- Does the block read as a single, unified section?
- Are there visual anchors (colour, packaging, standout accents)?
- Is it easy to reach the desired item?
Think not just about the product, but about perception
A good block isn’t just logical on paper. It’s a visual solution that works in the real environment.
The world of retail is changing fast — and those who adapt quickly are the ones who win. Shoppers are becoming more demanding: it’s no longer just about having the right products in stock, but also about the ease of choice, logical layout, and visual clarity of the store. This is exactly where block layout becomes a powerful tool that benefits both customers and business.
Conclusion. Why you should start implementing block layout right now
Block layout:
– simplifies the customer journey and speeds up decision-making;
– makes the store visually structured and easy to navigate;
– allows for effective assortment management within each block;
– enhances the impact of cross-selling and themed selections;
– boosts turnover and revenue per square metre.
– simplifies the customer journey and speeds up decision-making;
– makes the store visually structured and easy to navigate;
– allows for effective assortment management within each block;
– enhances the impact of cross-selling and themed selections;
– boosts turnover and revenue per square metre.
And with today’s digital tools, implementing it is no longer a challenge. Thanks to automation, unified display standards can be easily scaled, and analytics provide a transparent view of performance.
The future of merchandising is already here. Modern retail formats demand more than just attractive displays — they require logic, speed, flexibility, and digital precision. Block layout, combined with tools like Greenshelf, isn’t just a trend — it’s a step towards sustainable, manageable growth.
If you want your shelves to work for you — start with the block.
Tilda Publishing