Merchandising software: how to choose the right solution? Comparison, use cases and practical advice

Today, the challenges of merchandising are intensifying: the multiplication of points of sale, the need for coherence between physical and digital networks, the expectation of a reinforced customer experience. In this context, managing planograms with static tools such as Excel or PowerPoint quickly becomes a limitation. This is where merchandising software comes in.

Much more than simple planogram creation tools, these modern software packages enable you to centralize data, model linear layouts, collaborate with field teams and integrate data to guide decisions. Some also integrate advanced functions such as immersive 3D, artificial intelligence or predictive analysis. Each solution has its advantages and disadvantages. We offer an overview and comparison of the main solutions on the market.

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What is merchandising software?

Merchandising software is a tool for creating, managing, sharing and analyzing planograms or point-of-sale simulations. These tools cover a wide range of uses: 2D or 3D shelf design, assortment declination, export of PDF layout guides for stores, customer path simulation, merchandising performance monitoring (m² profitability, shelf share, shelf entry keys).

The best solutions go much further: they integrate immersive visualization, cross-reference performance data (VMH, VMM, Margin...), offer collaborative modes, use artificial intelligence to automatically generate recommendations, or even allow existing shelves to be reconstructed using image recognition (planogram compliance).

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Why is this software becoming indispensable?

Merchandising has become a real growth driver. Here are the trends that make these tools indispensable in a :

• The multiplication of distribution networks makes the coherence of our locations more complex.
• We need to propose a more detailed approach, at store level, taking into account local disparities.
• Merchandising teams need to be more productive and get to grips with the solution in minimum time.
• Marketing departments need visual tools to present and test their ideas.
• Merchandising teams need to work with stores, sales teams and partners.
• The explosion of sales and stock data opens the way to performance-based merchandising management.

A good merchandising software package will therefore enable you to design planograms and store concepts more efficiently, so that they can be rapidly deployed in your distribution networks.

6 merchandising software packages to know

Relex is a powerful solution for retailers with supply chain integration. It offers a predictive approach to merchandising, where layouts are linked to stock levels, local demand... Particularly suited to retailers. Customers include Franprix, Rossmann, Coop Danmark.

Spaceman Spaceman: a recognized and historically established tool for consumer goods manufacturers. It stands out for its rigorous analysis and reliability. Less visual, but robust for catman-oriented activities. Customers include L'Oréal, Nestlé, Coca-Cola.

Retail VR Retail VR: an innovative solution that rapidly creates 3D planograms, simulates in-store customer journeys, and integrates sales data to propose automatic recommendations. Integrated AI analyzes existing layouts based on photos. International customers: Nestlé, Naos/Bioderma and retailers such as Intermarché, Botanic, Saint-Michel.

Blue Yonder (ex-JDA) Blue Yonder: global solution, often linked to supply chain tools. It connects merchandising, forecasting and inventory. Predictive AI is a strong point, but deployment remains complex. Customers: Walmart, Metro, Carrefour: Walmart, Metro, Carrefour.

Coheris Merch by Chaps Vision Coheris Merch by Chaps Vision: designed for field teams, this software offers good ergonomics for monitoring compliance at the point of sale and reporting field data. Less visually oriented, but suitable for industrialists and laboratories. Customers : French SMEs and pharmaceutical groups.

IWD IWD: positioned as a collaborative tool between marketing and merchandising teams, IWD focuses on visual presentation. Less performance-oriented, but highly effective in enhancing brand image. Customers: LVMH, Estée Lauder.

5 key benefits of good merchandising software

1. Rapid creation of realistic, visual planograms for every type of store. Easy to use, with simple database management.
2. Performance analysis through data integration (sales, inventory, out-of-stocks).
3. Realistic visualization of shelves, and consideration of POS, ILV and special furniture. Put yourself in the customer's shoes.
4. Smooth sharing with stores or sales force (PDF, URL, app).
5. Productivity gains thanks to automated planograms and audits.

Conclusion

Merchandising software is becoming an essential component of sales strategy, at the crossroads of marketing, sales and the supply chain. It's no longer just a matter of designing shelves, but of creating a coherent, visual experience, driven by data and easily shared.

In this context, Retail VR stands out for its ability to combine realism, performance and automation. Its immersive, intelligent approach makes merchandising a strategic, cross-functional lever.

To find out more, read our article How to choose the right merchandising software?

For more information: www.retail-vr.com