Merchandising Audit Checklist

Merchandising Audit Checklist

1. General Information

• Date of Audit:
• Store Location:
• Auditor Name:
• Store Manager/Supervisor Name:
• Brand or Product Category:

2. Store Layout and Signage

• Is the store layout organized and easy to navigate? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are promotional signs and banners properly placed and visible? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are markings for  aisle signs clear  and easy to read? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are the store entry and key displays aligned with the brand’s guidelines? (Yes/No/Comments)

3. Product Placement

• Are products placed in the correct areas as per planogram or guidelines? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are placement of premium or featured products in high-visibility areas? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are shelves well-stocked with no gaps or empty spaces? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Is product placement consistent with brand or corporate standards? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are products with promotions or discounts placed at eye level or other strategic locations? (Yes/No/Comments)

4. Shelf Condition and Display

• Are shelves clean and free of dust? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are shelves and displays undamaged and in good condition? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are product labels and tags accurate and clearly visible? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are shelf edges tidy and organized? (Yes/No/Comments)

5. Pricing and Promotions

• Are promotional items clearly labeled with the correct prices? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are current promotions and discounts prominently displayed? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are pricing labels correct and easy to read? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are markdowns or discounts applied to the correct items? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are loyalty program offers or bulk-buy discounts highlighted? (Yes/No/Comments)

6. Stock Availability

• Are all key products in stock and available for purchase? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are out-of-stock items labeled or removed from displays? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are products nearing expiration removed from the shelves? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Is inventory aligned with customer demand (no overstock/understock)? (Yes/No/Comments)

7. Planogram Compliance

• Is the product placement following the specified planogram? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are product facings in line with the brand’s merchandising guidelines? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are competitive products placed as required by the guidelines? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Is the product assortment correct as per the planogram? (Yes/No/Comments)

8. Visual Merchandising

• Are displays visually appealing and engaging? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are mannequins or product stands dressed and styled properly? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are point-of-sale materials (e.g., posters, signs) clean and up-to-date? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are seasonal displays or themes properly highlighted? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Is arrangement of products in a way that encourages impulse buys? (Yes/No/Comments)

9. Promotional Materials

• Are point-of-purchase displays properly assembled and placed? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are promotional stands fully stocked and in good condition? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are temporary displays or stands free from damage? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are brochures or promotional flyers available and organized? (Yes/No/Comments)

10. Customer Interaction Zones

• Is the checkout area clean and organized? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Is placement of impulse-buy items like snacks, magazines, or accessories near the checkout? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are promotional offers visible in high-traffic areas? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are products placed strategically in high-traffic or waiting areas? (Yes/No/Comments)

11. Brand and Product Knowledge

• Are staff aware of current promotions and offers? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are staff knowledgeable about the products on display? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Do staff actively promote featured or sale items? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are staff able to assist with product placement inquiries? (Yes/No/Comments)

12. Digital Signage and Technology (if applicable)

• Is digital signage functioning correctly and up to date? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are interactive displays or kiosks operational and engaging? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Are QR codes or digital links for promotions working correctly? (Yes/No/Comments)

13. Additional Observations

• Additional Comments or Recommendations:

14. Overall Assessment

• How would you rate the overall merchandising of this store? (1-5 stars)
• Are there any critical areas requiring immediate attention? (Yes/No/Comments)
• Was the store in compliance with the merchandising plan? (Yes/No/Comments)

Auditor can customize checklist according to the retailer’s specific merchandising guidelines or the brand being audited. Auditor can also adjust checklist for seasonal audits, new product launches, or special promotions.