Top In-Store Merchandising Mistakes to Avoid in 2025
July 14, 2025
In-store merchandising continues to be one of the most effective ways to drive consumer engagement, build brand presence, and ultimately boost sales.
But as retail environments evolve, so do the challenges.
Brands and retailers investing in merchandising solutions—from beverage displays to custom millwork, acrylic fixtures, corrugated POP displays, and security showcases—must avoid common pitfalls that can limit performance or even backfire in today's competitive landscape.
As a company specializing in custom in-store merchandising solutions, we've seen firsthand what works—and what doesn't.
Here are some of our top merchandising mistakes to avoid in 2025 and beyond, as well as tips on ensuring your displays are strategic, functional, and impactful.
Ignoring Store Format Differences
One of the biggest mistakes brands make is using the same display design across all retail environments. What works in a grocery store doesn't always translate to a convenience store, and vice versa.
In 2025, consumers expect tailored experiences, and retailers demand displays that fit their footprint and audience. A bulky endcap that works well in a spacious grocery aisle may clutter a high-traffic C-store. On the other hand, a compact corrugated unit might not have enough visual impact for a large-format retailer.
Best Practice: Work with a merchandising partner who understands how to tailor materials, footprint, and messaging for each channel—whether it's grocery, convenience, liquor stores, club, or specialty retail.
Underestimating the Power of Branding
A display is more than a product holder—it's an extension of your brand. Yet many displays are generic or unbranded, missing the opportunity to reinforce identity and drive recognition.
In 2025, brand storytelling is critical. Shoppers want to connect with the products they buy. Displays that lack cohesive branding—logo placement, consistent color palettes, or clear messaging—miss that chance to create a lasting impression.
Best Practice: Treat your merchandising units as brand billboards. Use custom graphics, materials, and design elements that reflect your identity and appeal to your target audience.
Overlooking Security Needs
With theft and shrinkage continuing to be top concerns for retailers, especially for high-value or regulated items (e.g., energy drinks, alcohol, CBD, or vaping products), it's a mistake to ignore security considerations in display design.
Unsecured displays can lead to product loss and loss of retailer trust. In 2025, retailers are more selective than ever, and they expect solutions that balance product accessibility with protection.
Best Practice: Integrate security features like lockable acrylic cases, TDL security cases, tamper-proof shelving, or metal enclosures into your merchandising strategy, especially for high-risk products.
Using Fragile or Unsustainable Materials
Another common pitfall is using materials that can't withstand real-world retail conditions. Displays that bend, warp, or collapse not only create logistical headaches but also damage your brand's credibility.
In 2025, sustainability is no longer optional. Retailers and consumers expect eco-conscious solutions, and displays that are wasteful or non-recyclable can turn shoppers away.
Best Practice: Choose durable, recyclable materials such as engineered corrugated for temporary displays, or responsibly sourced wood and acrylic for longer-term units. If sustainability is part of your brand's mission, make it visible on your display through badges or callouts.
Failing to Design for Easy Setup and Restock
Even the most beautiful display will fail if it's difficult to assemble or maintain. Retail staff don't have time to deal with complicated setups or broken parts, and displays that are difficult to restock often get neglected or removed entirely.
In 2025's fast-paced retail environment, efficiency is essential—not just for consumers but also for store teams.
Best Practice: Design displays with simple assembly, clear instructions, and modular components that make restocking fast and easy. Tool-less installation, pre-packed kits, and QR-code setup videos can all improve compliance and store execution.
Ignoring Retailer Compliance Guidelines
Each retailer has its specifications for size, safety, branding, and placement. Failing to meet these guidelines can result in your display being rejected or removed, wasting time and money.
Many brands rush to create a display without confirming the retailer's display criteria, or they attempt to use the same unit across multiple chains without adjustment.
Best Practice: Partner with a merchandising provider that understands major retailer guidelines and can handle chain-specific adaptations to ensure compliance and seamless placement.
Neglecting Performance Measurement
A significant mistake brands still make in 2025 is launching displays without a plan for tracking effectiveness.
Without KPIs like sell-through rate, shopper engagement, or in-store compliance, it's impossible to measure ROI or make data-driven improvements.
Best Practice: Include performance metrics in your merchandising strategy. Use retailer POS data, sales lift comparisons, or third-party audits to assess what's working and adjust as needed.
Work With PFI InStore
In 2025, brands that continue to treat merchandising as an afterthought or use outdated strategies will fall behind.
But those that embrace clever design, sustainability, retailer alignment, and performance tracking will stand out and drive measurable growth.
At our company, we specialize in building custom merchandising solutions that avoid these common pitfalls.
From corrugated and acrylic displays to custom millwork, secure showcases, and fully engineered, brand-aligned units, we help our clients not only show up but show up effectively.
Looking to refresh your in-store presence for the second half of 2025?
Contact us for help to make sure your displays do more than hold product—they move it.
