Electrical Plan-o-grams
A Plan-o-gram is a map of products for sale on a Store's fixtures. The map can be of shelving with dividers, pegboard with hooks, or a combination of the two. I have helped hardware stores in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area re-display their products in a manner consistent with consumer shopping patterns. Some of the categories include: Electrical Boxes (Metal & PVC), Conduit Fittings, Cable Connectors & Accessories, Solderless Terminals, Fuses, Circuit Breakers, Devices (Switches, Dimmers, Outlets & GFI), and Weatherproof Boxes.
Electrical Problems
Hardware stores and their suppliers are not experts in the Electrical Aisle. Even the manufacturers are not acting in your store's best interests. Manufacturers and suppliers exist to do one thing SELL PRODUCT! Once the product is in your store, it can become a liability, when it should be an asset. This can occur for many reasons: Poor packaging, Poor display materials, Poor placement, or it can be a stagnant item. EVERY manufacturer and EVERY supplier is guilty of some of the aforementioned infractions. The Electrical trade is one of constant change. The National Electrical Code is updated every 3 years, resulting in new products and requirements. Many stores stock and sell items that are ILLEGAL to use. If you are relying on suppliers for updated information, you will be disappointed.
Electrical Solutions
Each Plan-o-gram I create, is usually based on a report from the store showing product movement. The Plan-o-gram is customized for each location, depending on its sales. Stores in older neighborhoods sell a different mix of items than those in more modern areas. Stores with commercial & industrial clients may have calls for additional products. Your store is UNIQUE and deserves to live up to its earning potential.
I consult with hardware stores to reduce duplicate SKU's (Stock Keeping Units), suggest items that serve multiple purposes, and identify items that have outlived their useful lives in the electrical trade. I can provide on-going support. Advice is inexpensive when compared to bad purchases that tie up dollars and store space. Most store's biggest enemy is their own complacency, NOT the "Big Box" down the street! Make your electrical aisle a solution for your consumer, and a profit center that you deserve.
Some of the Benefits of a Plan-o-gram for your Electrical Aisle:
INCREASED SALES DUE TO:
Greater product visibility
Reduced Chaos & Confusion
Greater Clarity
Products displayed the way people shop
Better Self Service
Easier ordering & stocking
MORE Turns
All Resulting in Greater Profitability
My Qualifications
Former Office Manager of a 5 Hardware Store operation
Managed a Large Hardware Store for 3 years
BBA in Accounting
Practicing Licensed Master Electrican for 34 years
Owner of AFFORDABLE ELECTRIC INC. in Mequon WI.
Teach "Electrical Wiring For Homeowners" through the Mequon-Thiensville Rec Dept.
Owner & Webmaster of sparkyjohn.com