Answer 1.) I usually start in the candy aisle, which is what I would recommend for someone looking to do a little merchandising of their own. It is the easiest section to setup or reset in the least amount of time. It's also arguably the most essential area in a convenience store, so why not be your sharpest, right? The hanging snack and candy sections take more time as you try to set the proper spacing. I end with the grocery, pet and HBC sections, but each person has their own preferences and a lot depends on how you envision the store.
Question 2.) What's the proper amount of spacing that you recommend in an aisle? Is there an industry minimum size requirement?
Answer 2.) No big surprise here, but your customers need to be able to move around the store easily. As a convenience store or grocery market operator, it's a delicate balance between trying to fit the maximum amount of product while not overwhelming your customer's personal space. There are times when, as a store owner or operator, you need to look at the inventory you're carrying and determine if it fits what your customer is shopping you for. Here's a quick example of a spacing problem and a creative solution. Supermarkets used to feature a lot of aisle displays, transforming their customer's walk through the snack lane into a mini obstacle course. This made it not only difficult to navigate, but also burdensome and overwhelming. Now more use is made of end-caps and front end displays, making a huge difference in customer satisfaction.
Continue to check in regularly for continuous convenience coverage from Allen Brothers Wholesale Distribution. Happy selling!