Why smart retailers are centralizing their non-merchandise catalogs
By Cary Child
Every retailer faces a persistent problem nobody talks about: the mind-numbing complexity of ordering signage and fixtures. Store managers waste hours tracking down information across multiple systems. Visual merchandisers wait days for signage approvals while seasonal displays sit unfinished. Department leads create workarounds just to get the supplies they need. And since no two stores are exactly alike, standardizing the process becomes even more challenging.
What should be a simple task has instead become a significant drain on productivity and store appearance. This challenge affects retail operations at every level, creating a situation where everyone feels the pain but no one owns the solution.
The hidden costs of decentralized ordering
Without clear ownership of the ordering process, stores face significant operational challenges: duplicate orders from different departments, emergency purchases at premium prices and inconsistent visual merchandising across locations. Procurement teams struggle to track spending while store staff improvise solutions to maintain daily operations.
Many retailers rely on procurement systems that create additional barriers. They’re often only available to select users due to licensing costs or are too complex for store employees to navigate efficiently. Associates who spot problems first often lack system access altogether, further delaying necessary replacements.
A unified ordering system that works for everyone
Retailers transforming their approach to non-merchandise ordering focus on these practical improvements:
- Easy search features that quickly connect teams with exactly what they need
- Clear visibility into what’s available, how much it costs and when it will arrive
- Streamlined approvals that maintain budget control without creating bottlenecks
- Shared visibility that prevents duplicate orders, simplifies communication and improves budgeting
- Simple access to a complete catalog that works for everyone from associates to executives
Better ordering drives better store performance
Retailers that invest in streamlined non-merchandise ordering see benefits beyond operational efficiency. Store teams can execute seasonal changes on schedule without delays. Brand standards are maintained consistently across all locations. Most importantly, retail staff can redirect their energy from administrative tasks to customer-facing activities that drive sales.
By removing the friction from this essential but often overlooked process, smart retailers aren’t just saving time and money. They’re freeing up their people to focus on what really matters: creating great shopping experiences that keep customers coming back.
Want to see how your team can order non-merchandise more efficiently? Reach out to learn how our approach has helped retailers solve this common operational challenge.